Once again, the United States has used its veto power to block a draft resolution in the UN Security Council regarding Israel’s conflict in Gaza. This action has sparked criticism from both opponents and allies. This marks the third time the US has vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The veto comes just one day after the US proposed a resolution supporting a temporary ceasefire contingent on the release of all Israeli prisoners from the Palestinian territory.

The 15-member council voted 13-1, with the United Kingdom choosing to abstain, indicating widespread international support for putting an end to the destructive conflict that has resulted in loss of life.

The Countries and world leaders responded

China

Zhang Jun, China’s representative to the UN, conveyed “significant disappointment and dissatisfaction” with the US, as reported by the Xinhua news agency. Zhang stated that the US veto is sending a negative message and escalating the situation in Gaza to a more perilous level. He added that opposing a ceasefire in Gaza is essentially allowing the ongoing violence to continue unchecked.

France

France’s ambassador to the United Nations, Nicolas de Riviere, expressed disappointment that a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza could not be passed due to the dire situation. De Riviere also stated that France, which supported the resolution, will persist in calling for an immediate implementation of the ceasefire.

Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez strongly criticized the US, stating that its veto makes it complicit in Israel’s actions against Palestinians. In a social media post, Bermudez expressed his disappointment with the US for vetoing the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the forced displacement of the Palestinian people. He accused the US of being complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestine.