U.S. VETOES "HUMANITARIAN

PAUSES" IN GAZA

On October 18, 2023, The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for "humanitarian pauses" to allow time to deliver lifesaving aid for Gaza. Twelve of the Council's fifteen members voted in favor of the Brazilian-led text. Russia and the United Kingdom abstained, with the United States being the only vote against it.

Israel-Gaza crisis: US vetoes Security Council resolution (U.N. official site, 10-18-23)

On October 24, 2023, UN Chief António Guterres addressed The United Nations Security Council on violations of humanitarian law in the war between Israel and Hamas. "At a crucial moment like this, it is vital to be clear on principles - starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians," said Guterres. "Thankfully, some humanitarian relief is finally getting into Gaza, But it is a drop of aid in an ocean of need," Guterres continued. Aid is slow, and the people are in desperate need of fuel and other essential supplies. These supplies determine life and death for the people of Gaza, so why are they being treated so frivolously? Innocent civilians are suffering needlessly, and Israel is showing very little concern for their well-being. "On this UN Day, at this critical hour, I appeal to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even farther," said Guterres, closing his speech once again by calling for a ceasefire.

Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Middle East (U.N. official site, 10-24-23)

UN chief says ‘clear violations of international humanitarian law’ in Gaza (Aljazeera, 10-24-23)

On December 6, 2023, Secretary-General António Guterres created an urgent letter, again calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. December 8, 2023, The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza and vote on another ceasefire resolution. The US was the only one to veto the resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates. There were 13 votes in favor, with the United Kingdom abstaining.

António Guterres's urgent letter (U.N. official site, 12-6-23)

US vetoes resolution on Gaza which called for ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’ (U.N. official site, 12-8-23)

US blocks UN Security Council demand for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza (Reuters, 12-8-23)