The US rejected the UN Security Council decision on Wednesday, calling for a direct ceasefire in Gaza, however didn’t condemn Hamas, calling for hostages to be launched.
The vote was 14-1, with the US voting towards it. As the United States is one among 5 everlasting members of the Council, that “no” vote counts as a veto.
SecurityCouncilReport.org reported that though it proposed a change to the primary draft decision distributed by the US by 10 elected momentary members, the so-called “E10” refused to vary the draft and destined the decision.
SecurityCouncilReport.org stated:
In response to the more and more dire state of affairs in Gaza, a number of councillors (Algeria, France and Slovenia) seem to have arisen individually drafts on the state of affairs. After casual consultations, these international locations in the end agreed that Algeria and Slovenia would introduce a single draft with Guyana. On May 27, these members held a gathering of all E10 international locations to debate the opportunity of transferring their draft ahead as a joint E10 product. While there seems to be debate concerning the acceptable language for use in relation to sure components, together with Hamas and hostage releases, the elected members seem to have agreed to the primary provisions of the decision. They determined to advance a brief one-page textual content consisting of three surgical paragraphs: the instant, dignified, unconditional launch of all hostages held by Hamas and different teams. And the entry of humanitarian help into Gaza and the instant and unconditional lifting of all restrictions in a big, protected and unhindered distribution.
The draft was then shared on either side with every of the 5 everlasting members of the council (P5) for feedback. The US has apparently expressed its reservations on the draft and made some recommendations that it took into consideration the stipulations for additional involvement, reminiscent of Hamas’ denunciation and expressions of help for the GHF. [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation]. Other P5 members clearly confirmed total help for the decision, however proposed particular revisions. France and the UK additionally sought language to denounce Hamas, however Russia proposed a number of edits, together with the elimination of the point out on June 10, 2024.
The vote appeared to have been spurred by issues on the United Nations concerning the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an effort supported by the Trump administration that has managed to offer direct help to Palestinians in Gaza.
US Ambassador Dorothy Shea added: “It is inexplicable that many members of this council are nonetheless refusing to acknowledge Hamas can finish this battle by surrendering his arms tomorrow.
She added that councils ought to work in direction of an actual ceasefire, not a “performative” vote.