United Nations: The United States on Tuesday once again exercised its veto power to block an Arab resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution, moved jointly by Algeria and a group of Arab nations, saw 13 votes in favour, one abstention (Britain) and a lone negative vote from the United States.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield justified the veto, stating, “Sometimes hard diplomacy takes more time than any of us might like. Any action this council takes should help and not hinder these sensitive ongoing negotiations.”
She said the United States was introducing an alternative draft resolution, emphasising Washington’s commitment to a hostage deal and the pursuit of sustainable peace.
“We’re at a pivotal and critical moment. Let us commit to doing this the right way at the right time,” stressed Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. “That’s why the US is proposing a separate resolution that would work towards a temporary ceasefire based on the formula that all hostages are released,” she said. It would also condemn Hamas, she added.