US Vetoes UN Resolution Condemning Violence Against Civilians in Israel-Hamas War

Strategic Insights -

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said President Joe Biden is engaging in diplomacy to secure the release of hostages, prevent the conflict from spreading, and stress the need to protect civilians, but resolutions must be informed by the facts on the ground and support direct diplomacy efforts that can save lives. The vetoed resolution, sponsored by Brazil, condemned violence against all civilians in the war and urged humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The US was the only member to vote against the resolution, which was supported by 12 other members of the 15-member Security Council, with Russia and the United Kingdom abstaining.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US vetoed a UN resolution that would have condemned violence against all civilians in the Israel-Hamas war, citing the need for direct diplomacy efforts to secure the release of hostages and prevent the conflict from spreading.
  • The resolution, sponsored by Brazil, was supported by 12 other members of the 15-member Security Council, but was opposed by the US, with Russia and the UK abstaining.
  • The US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized the resolution for not addressing Israel's right to self-defense following Hamas' surprise attacks on October 7, which killed over 1,400 people in Israel.
  • Since the October 7 attacks, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in Gaza, and over 12,000 have been wounded.
  • The divided Security Council has been polarized since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reflecting the deep divisions between member states.
  • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas backed out of a meeting with Biden, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, and King Abdullah II of Jordan after the hospital blast, leading the Jordanians to cancel the meeting.
  • A summit will take place on Saturday in Cairo, invited by regional leaders and UN Secretary-General, to address the humanitarian crisis sparked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The summit will discuss achieving a cease-fire, and whether a "serious attempt" exists to tackle the issues blocking an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,400 people were killed in Israel on October 7 in surprise attacks by Hamas.
  • Nearly 3,500 people have been killed in Gaza since the October 7 attacks.
  • Over 12,000 people have been wounded in Gaza since the October 7 attacks.
  • 15 nations are members of the UN Security Council.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • UN Security Council
  • US Embassy in Israel
  • Brazil Embassy in the US