United Nations – The United States vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Thursday calling for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also urged Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinian territories. Fourteen of the Council’s 15 members supported the draft.
This marks the sixth time the US has used its veto in the UNSC regarding the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. The draft, prepared by ten elected Council members, also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
The resolution was presented in response to the UN’s official declaration of famine in Gaza and comes amid escalating military action. Israeli tanks and fighter jets recently intensified bombardments in Gaza City in preparation for a major ground assault, forcing many Palestinians to flee southwards.
The proposal, seen by AFP, sought compliance from all parties with the ceasefire and humanitarian measures. The US has repeatedly opposed such resolutions, most recently exercising its veto in June to support Israel.
Separately, Pakistan and China submitted a joint proposal to the UNSC to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majid Brigade, as terrorist organizations. According to Pakistan’s permanent representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, these groups, along with ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, operate from safe havens in Afghanistan, where more than 60 terrorist camps serve as bases for cross-border attacks.
