The United States has once again used its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution calling for an immediate, permanent cease-fire in Gaza. This move comes as the Biden administration, nearing the end of its term, continues to supply weapons to Israel, which are being used in its ongoing assault on Palestinian territory.
On Wednesday, the Security Council voted 14-1 in favor of the resolution, but the U.S. veto rendered it ineffective due to its permanent membership. The resolution, which also demanded the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, called for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the restoration of humanitarian aid access for Palestinians.
Tariq Habash, a Biden appointee who resigned in protest over the administration’s Gaza policy, criticized the veto, arguing it showed a lack of interest in finding a path to peace or saving lives. Majed Bamya, the deputy permanent observer of the State of Palestine, shared this sentiment, while U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood defended the veto, claiming the resolution’s failure to link a cease-fire to the release of hostages made it unacceptable. Wood argued that such an omission would discourage Hamas from engaging in peace talks.
The ongoing violence follows a major Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages being taken, with many still held captive. Critics of the U.S. veto point out that the focus of the conflict has shifted away from the hostages, as Israel’s military offensive against Palestinians continues unabated.
Since the start of the assault, U.S. weapons have been central to Israel’s operations in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 43,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children. The humanitarian crisis has worsened due to Israel’s blockade, leaving civilians without access to essential aid and exacerbating a food shortage.
Human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s actions as war crimes, ethnic cleansing, or even genocide. Despite these accusations, both Israel and the U.S. have rejected such claims. The U.N. Security Council’s failure to pass a cease-fire resolution has led to frustration, with calls for stronger international intervention to end the violence.
In parallel, the Biden administration faces increasing domestic pressure. Congressional Democrats are pushing for a bill to stop the continued U.S. arms shipments to Israel, arguing that such support violates international law and worsens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the administration has been actively lobbying senators to reject the bill, with some accusing it of prioritizing military support over peace efforts.
As the situation remains dire, many question the U.S. stance on the conflict, with critics arguing that the country’s actions are undermining its credibility on human rights and damaging its political standing both at home and abroad.