US vetoes at UN, the United Kingdom abstains from voting
The US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution, which proposed an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Citing concerns about future conflicts, Robert Wood, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, explained the decision, stating, "This would only plant the seeds for the next war because Hamas does not seek lasting peace."
9:13 AM EST, December 9, 2023
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called a Security Council meeting on Friday. The aim was to convince members to apply pressure on the conflicting parties to enforce a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The Saudi Arabian government prepared a concise draft resolution, according to Reuters. The draft not only called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire but also advocated for the protection of Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations. Moreover, it demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
US denies support for the resolution
The Security Council required at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any permanent members to pass the resolution. The permanent members include the US, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. However, it was apparent from the onset that the US would not back the initiative.
"This would only sow the seeds for the next war because Hamas does not desire lasting peace," Robert Wood, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, reiterated his previous statement, during the Security Council meeting with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
In total, 13 Council members supported the resolution, while the United Kingdom abstained from voting and the US cast a vote against it.
