The United States has dismissed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This proposal received support from France, Britain, Russia, and China, tallying 14 votes in favor but failing to pass due to one opposing vote.
In her statements, US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shia, expressed confusion over the council’s refusal to recognize that Hamas could end the conflict by surrendering. She highlighted that it was troubling the UN hasn’t categorized Hamas as a terrorist group and held them accountable.
Shia also criticized the idea of rewarding what she termed Hamas’ “incommunity,” referencing their rejection of multiple ceasefire proposals. Notably, the resolution did not condemn Hamas, focusing instead on urging Gaza’s militant groups to release 58 remaining hostages.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon thanked the US for opposing the resolution, saying, “Thank you for standing on the right side. I appreciate the emphasis on truth, justice, and moral clarity, and for not justifying the inaccuracies in this resolution.” His comments reflected a call to not abandon the hostages in light of the council’s actions.
British UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward defended her country’s support for the resolution, stressing that the dire situation in Gaza needed to conclude. She called for Israel to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid, condemning their actions in the region.
Opinions on the resolution varied, with some figures from human rights organizations condemning what they called an unfair comparison between hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Anne Beyfsky attributed the resolution to broader political motivations aimed against the US, particularly under the Trump administration.
Beyfsky also expressed disappointment over the council’s focus, stating it was shameful to engage in such discussions while pressing global issues remain unaddressed. Danon reinforced his stance, asserting the resolution undermines humanitarian efforts and neglects the real danger posed by Hamas.
He noted the resolution overlooks the reality of Hamas’ actions, which endanger civilians in Gaza, asserting that if genuine concern for Gaza’s people existed, efforts should be directed away from empowering those instigating the conflict.
Ultimately, he declared that the resolution failed to protect the very individuals it aimed to help.
