International Perspectives Clash as UN Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza Faces US Veto

The UN and Arab nations have jointly called for a ceasefire in Gaza due to the worsening humanitarian crisis. However, the resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict was vetoed by the United States in the UN Security Council. Robert Wood, the deputy American representative to the UN, argued that the resolution did not align with the current reality and criticized the failure to condemn Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7 as a “moral setback.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Security Council, warning of an impending crisis in Gaza. He highlighted the severe risk of the humanitarian support system collapsing, leading to dire consequences, including potential mass displacement into Egypt and regional instability. Urgently calling for a humanitarian truce, Guterres deemed the situation a “threat to international peace and security” and emphasized that Hamas’s actions should not justify collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

A delegation from Arab and Muslim nations visiting Washington echoed the call for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on behalf of the group, appealed to the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution for a ceasefire.

The European Union reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself while condemning Hamas’s brutal attacks. However, they also denounced the “illegal” Israeli settlers’ occupation, considering it an obstacle to peace and a threat to the feasibility of a two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to open a second crossing point, Kerem Shalom, for delivering urgently needed aid to Palestinian civilians.

Israeli armed forces estimate three to four more weeks to complete the offensive in Khan Yunis and conclude the first phase of the war against Hamas in Gaza. The IDF pledged not to target 150 sites in the Gaza Strip designated as civilian shelters. Despite ongoing hostilities, areas like Al-Mawasi, used as a refuge by residents, remain untargeted according to Elad Goren, spokesperson for the Coordinator of Israeli government activities in the Palestinian Territories.