The United States blocks UN Security Council resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council faced another deadlock on Monday as a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was rejected, with the United States exercising its veto power for the fourth time. The resolution, put forward by 10 non-permanent members, called for an immediate and permanent truce in the region, as well as the release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas.

Despite pleas and pressure from other members of the Security Council, the US was the lone dissenting vote, blocking the resolution from moving forward. The decision has drawn criticism from many who are calling for swift action to address the escalating violence in Gaza.

Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo has been closely monitoring the developments at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where tensions have been running high as the international community grapples with how to address the crisis in Gaza.

The rejection of the ceasefire resolution comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has led to a significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in the region continues to worsen, with hospitals overwhelmed and refugee camps struggling to cope with the influx of displaced individuals.

As calls for action to end the violence grow louder, the Security Council’s failure to reach a consensus on a ceasefire only adds to the urgency of finding a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The veto by the US highlights the challenges of navigating international diplomacy and the complexities of addressing longstanding geopolitical tensions in the region.