Resolution fails: Abbas accuses the US of child bloodshed
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, blames the US for the violence and suffering endured by children, women, and the elderly in the region. His statement follows the US decision to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip.
7:56 PM EST, December 9, 2023
"Abbas rebuked the US position, calling it aggressive and immoral," relayed a message by his press team. The President believes that the actions of Washington violate fundamental principles and humanitarian values, and he implicates the US in the violence and suffering experienced by Palestinian children, women, and the elderly in the Gaza Strip.
US vetoes UN resolution
Hamas, too, criticized the US stance on the UN Security Council resolution. Ezat Al-Reszik, a member of this organization's political bureau, claimed on Friday evening that Washington's actions were "unethical and inhumane".
On Friday, the United States decided to veto a UN Security Council resolution that sought an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip. Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, stated that Washington does not back any further Council actions concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Great Britain abstains from voting
This was attributed to the US's "difficult and delicate diplomatic efforts" which were focused on freeing Hamas's hostages, increasing aid to the Gaza Strip, and improving the protection of civilians.
The draft resolution, endorsed by 13 countries, was developed by the United Arab Emirates upon request from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. During voting on this resolution, one country - Great Britain - chose to abstain.
Extraordinary UN session: "A first in my term"
On December 6th, Secretary-General António Guterres invoked a rarely-used article of the United Nations Charter, urging the Security Council to "prevent a humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza and unite in a "call for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian fighters".
Guterres "for the first time in his term" invoked Article 99 of the United Nations Charter, a provision enabling the UN leader to draw the Security Council's attention towards any issue he believes could threaten international peace and security.
Israel calls for support, not ceasefire
"Amidst the imminent risk of a humanitarian system collapse in Gaza, I request the Council's assistance in averting a humanitarian catastrophe and appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire declaration," Guterres wrote on December 6th.
However, Israel's representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, argued that the "only genuine pathway to peace is through exclusive support for Israel's mission" not by demanding a ceasefire.
