At a recent United Nations session, the United States used its veto to block a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, a move supported by a majority of Council members. The final result of the vote was 13 votes in favor, one abstention from the United Kingdom and one vote against from the United States.
The decision drew harsh criticism from other Council members, who described it as regrettable. Concern was expressed about the escalation of civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza, a consequence of Israel's sustained bombardment for more than two months.
The deputy ambassador of the United States, Robert A. Wood, the promoter of the negative vote, justified the decision by considering the resolution “unbalanced.” Wood accused the Council of failing to condemn Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which claimed some 1,200 lives, mostly civilians. Furthermore, he highlighted the Council's carelessness in recognizing Israel's right to defend itself. Wood argued that stopping military action would empower Hamas to maintain control in Gaza, stating that it would “only plant the seeds for the next war.”
Wood expressed skepticism about Hamas' commitment to lasting peace and a two-state solution in the debate before the vote. He stated that while the United States supports lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, it does not support calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Recognizing the tragic October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, it is crucial to note that the UN resolution focused on stopping the bombing of civilians in Gaza. Ambassador Wood's characterization of the resolution as unbalanced raises questions, especially in relation to the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Unlike the tragic events of October 7, in the following two months there were more than 17,000 deaths in Gaza, mainly among women and children who had no connection with Hamas. Beyond the loss of life, the bombings have devastated essential resources in Gaza, such as drinking water, electricity and numerous hospitals.
The abundance of social media has brought to the fore heartbreaking images: injured children trying to rescue their parents from the rubble and heartbreaking stories of health professionals forced to abandon newborns after hospital bombings.
Advocating for a ceasefire and an end to attacks against civilians does not negate the search for justice for the October 7 attack. It is crucial to separate the guilty from the innocent, ensuring that those not involved in the tragedy do not unfairly bear its consequences. In these difficult times, it is essential to take a balanced and compassionate approach to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza, while seeking a just solution to the broader conflict.
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