US blocks UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire and aid access

The US has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution which urged for an “unconditional and permanent” Gaza ceasefire, the BCC reported on June 5th. The US marked the sole vote against the measure otherwise supported by all 14 other council members.

In addition to a ceasefire, the draft resolution also demanded the immediate release of all hostages and the removal of limitations on humanitarian aid. It followed mounting reservations over the flow of relief in Gaza, where more than two million Palestinians are now in danger of starvation, according to UN agencies.

US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea defended the decision, arguing the resolution would “undermine diplomatic efforts” to achieve a negotiated ceasefire.

“We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” she said.

The vote comes amid increasing international criticism of Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis. For 11 weeks, aid shipments into Gaza were fully blocked by Israeli authorities. Although a limited flow of UN vehicles was permitted from mid-May, the United Nations maintains this is insufficient to meet the scale of humanitarian need.

Distribution has now been largely transferred to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly formed, US and Israel-backed body. However, GHF has come under scrutiny from aid organisations for circumventing long-established UN relief mechanisms. Recent days have seen several fatal incidents along the routes to GHF-run aid distribution sites.

The UK’s ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, voted for the resolution, stating that the UK seeks an end to the “intolerable situation in Gaza.” She said the UK sees a ceasefire as the clearest path to a “long-term political solution.” She added that Israel must lift restrictions on aid access and “let the UN and humanitarians do their job to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.”

Many expected the resolution to be blocked by the US, to underscore their continued support for Israel’s military campaign. On June 4th, before the voting took place, two Israeli officials confirmed that the US would use their veto power, according to Middle East Eye via Axios.

BBC, Middle East Eye via Axios