- November 20, 2024
- 7:09 pm
- World News
USA vetoed on a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council on an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip without the release of hostages. The project, discussed at a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, was supported by representatives of the remaining 14 states that are currently members of the UN Security Council.
Russia and Hamas equally “strongly condemned” this “behavior” of the United States at the UN.
Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya stated:
“I will turn to my American colleagues. Today you have finally accepted your full responsibility for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent citizens, the hardships of refugees, and the suffering of hostages and illegally detained Palestinians.”
He joined him and Hamas – his opinion was posted by the Russian state government for the knowledge of Russian readers TASS agency:
“Hamas condemns the US use of its veto power in the Security Council against the resolution presented this evening demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza” and such “hostile US position undermines the will of the international community and covers the continuation of the war.”
The UN Security Council considered a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The document, prepared by Guyana and supported by 4 permanent and all ten non-permanent members of the Security Council, provided for an immediate cessation of hostilities without any conditions.
The results of the vote demonstrated a deep split within the Council: 14 countries voted in favor, but the United States vetoed it, which automatically blocked the adoption of the document.
The main argument of the American side was the absence in the resolution of any mention of the release of Israeli hostages captured by Hamas. The US representative to the UN noted:
“We cannot support a ceasefire that does not secure the release of the hostages.”
The American position was due to the fact that a ceasefire without the condition of the return of abducted citizens could be perceived as a concession to terrorists.
Israel thanks US for support
The resolution drew gratitude from Israel. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon stressed that the US veto was decisive in preventing a “dangerous step.”
“Today a shameful step was prevented that could have led to the betrayal of our hostages.”
Danon also noted that Israel will continue to fight for the return of all hostages home and expressed criticism of the countries that supported the resolution, accusing them of “moral failure.”
Hamas reaction: US accusations
Hamas “strongly condemned” the US decision to veto. Representatives of the movement said that this position of the United States “prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people” and contributes to the continuation of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected any offers to exchange hostages in exchange for a temporary truce. This, according to the American and Israeli sides, proves the organization’s reluctance to make concessions and look for peaceful ways to resolve the conflict.
UN Security Council: permanent and non-permanent members
To understand diplomatic mechanisms, it is important to consider the composition of the Security Council. The permanent members with veto power are:
- USA,
- Russia,
- China,
- United Kingdom,
- France.
Non-permanent members change every two years. In 2024, these include:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Algeria, Sierra Leone |
| Asia and Pacific | Republic of Korea |
| Latin America | Guyana, Ecuador |
| Western Europe | Malta, Switzerland |
| East Europe | Slovenia |
| South Africa | Mozambique |
| East Asia | Japan |
Guyana: sponsor of the resolution
The resolution was initiated by the delegation of Guyana, which during the meeting stated:
“We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, which will be respected by all parties, as well as the release of all hostages.”
Guyana tried to take a neutral position, emphasizing the need to both stop the violence and ensure the return of abducted citizens.
NAnews – Israel News continues to monitor the development of the situation and the impact of the Security Council decision on the further course of the conflict.
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