U.S. vetoes Algeria’s draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza at UNSC

The United States has used its veto power to block a United Nations Security Council resolution submitted by Algeria, which demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip

Thirteen out of 15 members of the Security Council, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the resolution, while the UK abstained. Thus, the United States was the only country voting against.

The Algerian document calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the strip that should be respected by all parties, for a complete, fast and safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and for rejecting the forcible evacuation of the Palestinians.

This is the sixth time the U.S. blocks adopting a resolution to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip. The US previously impeded the adopting of 2 Russian draft resolutions and used its veto power against draft resolutions submitted by Russia, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.

“A vote in favor of this draft resolution is support to the Palestinians right to life. Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them,” Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama told the council before the vote.

Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine Riyad Mansour condemned the US veto, stressing that vetoing this draft resolution is not only regrettable but it is also absolutely reckless and dangerous, again shielding Israel even after it commits the most shocking crimes while exposing millions of innocent Palestinian people to more untold horrors.”

He recalled the ICJ provisional measures ordering Israel to cease all acts of genocide and incitement of genocide and ensure humanitarian access to the Palestinian people, who are facing death, starvation and repeated forced displacement “every day” across Gaza.

He questioned when the Security Council would “finally undertake its solemn duties” and demand the ceasefire that the vast majority of the world wants to see.

For his part, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Security Council Vassily Nebenzia said commenting on the US veto that Washington continues to provide Israel with a license to kill.

He said: “Algeria organized discussions in good faith to produce its draft resolution, but the US foiled it.

“Indeed, Washington continues to insist the Council not interfere in the US plans, he said. The US has vetoed similar draft resolutions in the past, he added.

“We call on the Council membership to counter the lawlessness of Washington,” he said. “Public opinion will no longer forgive the Security Council for inaction.”

China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, expressed his country’s disappointment and dissatisfaction with the outcome of the vote, warning that the US veto sends the wrong message that pushes the situation in Gaza Strip to more dangerous conditions.

The Palestinian Presidency affirmed that the American veto, which defies the will of the international community, will give an additional green light to the Israeli occupation to continue its aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip, and to carry out its bloody attack on Rafah.

It asserted that this policy makes the United States a partner in the crime of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Al-Quds (Jerusalem), warning that this policy has become a danger to the world and posed a threat to international peace and security.

Hamda Mustafa