United States vetoes UN demand for ceasefire and aid delivery to Gaza

(Patria) - The United States has vetoed a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council that would demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and that Israel lift all restrictions on aid delivery to the Palestinian enclave, Reuters reported.

The text, drafted by the ten elected members of the fifteen-member Council, would also demand the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

It received fourteen votes in favor. This was the sixth time the United States has vetoed a Security Council resolution in the nearly two-year war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants.

"Famine is confirmed in Gaza - not projected, not declared, but confirmed," Danish UN Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen told the Council before the vote.

"Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians. As a result, it is precisely this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure, that has forced us to act today."

"Hamas is responsible for starting and continuing this war. Israel has accepted proposed terms that would end the war, but Hamas continues to reject them. This war could end today if Hamas releases the hostages and lays down its arms," US diplomat Morgan Ortagus told the Council before the vote.