US Veto Sparks Chinese Condemnation in UN Call for Israel-Gaza Ceasefire
China has strongly criticized the United States for vetoing a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Beijing expressed that the veto sent the “wrong message” and effectively allowed the “continued slaughter” to persist. The White House justified its decision, stating that the Algerian-proposed resolution would “jeopardize” ongoing talks to end the conflict.
Algeria’s resolution, supported by 13 out of 15 Security Council members (with the UK abstaining), was blocked by the U.S., as any veto by a permanent member results in the immediate dismissal of a resolution. The US has put forth its own temporary ceasefire resolution, cautioning Israel against invading the city of Rafah.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, initiated after a Hamas attack in October, has led to over 29,000 deaths in Gaza, with more than a million displaced Palestinians, half of the Strip’s population, seeking shelter in Rafah. The living conditions for the displaced are dire, with limited access to safe water and food.
The US decision to block the resolution faced widespread condemnation. China’s UN ambassador criticized the claim that the motion would interfere with diplomatic negotiations as “totally untenable,” asserting that the failure to implement an immediate ceasefire amounted to endorsing ongoing violence. Algeria’s top UN diplomat expressed disappointment, emphasizing the Security Council’s failure.
Several US allies also criticized the veto, with France’s UN envoy regretting the non-adoption of the resolution due to the dire situation on the ground. The US and UK ambassadors argued that the timing was not right for an immediate ceasefire, citing ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The US alternative resolution calls for a temporary ceasefire under certain conditions and warns against a major ground offensive in Rafah.
The situation remains complex, with Israel’s Prime Minister expressing commitment to continue the war until all goals are achieved, while the UN warns of a potential “slaughter” in Rafah if an Israeli offensive occurs. The Security Council’s failure to adopt Algeria’s resolution adds to the challenges of brokering a pause in the conflict.
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