UNITES NATIONS, New York — The United States has now rejected a Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza three times. The veto was justified by the Biden administration on the grounds that it may complicate ongoing attempts to mediate a settlement between Israel and Hamas. The objectives of the proposed agreement include the release of captives abducted during Hamas’ surprise raid on southern Israel in October and a six-week cease-fire.
In an unexpected move ahead of the vote, the United States circulated an alternative U.N. Security Council resolution. This draft supports a temporary cease-fire in Gaza linked to the release of hostages and calls for lifting restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The U.S. draft places emphasis on how these steps would help establish the conditions necessary for a long-lasting cessation of hostilities.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood voiced doubts about the resolution’s ability to further American goals and was supported by the Arabs. He presented the U.S. draft as another potential option, indicating a willingness to discuss it further with other nations.
A senior U.S. official emphasized the need for intensive negotiations, stating, “We intend to engage in the coming days in intensive negotiation around it. … That’s why we’re not putting a timeline on a vote, but we do recognize the urgency of the situation.”
Arab nations, supported by a substantial number of U.N. member countries, have been advocating for a cease-fire for months. Tunisia’s U.N. Ambassador Tarek Ladeb, chair of the 22-nation Arab Group, emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire, pointing to the potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah.
The Arab-backed resolution not only calls for an immediate cease-fire but also demands the release of hostages, rejects forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, ensures unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and urges compliance with international law by both Israel and Hamas.
After the expected U.S. veto, the Arab Group may take their resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, where approval is likely. However, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. The Security Council will then likely shift focus to the more comprehensive U.S. draft resolution, condemning both the October 7 attack by Hamas and subsequent actions, including hostage-taking and violence.
