The United States has blocked a proposal brought to the United Nations Security Council, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unconditional release of detainees in Gaza, Palestine. The proposal was presented yesterday evening, local time, in New York.
The United Arab Emirates, an interim member of the Security Council, presented the proposal. At least 97 countries supported the proposal.
Out of the 15 members of the Security Council, 13 countries voted in favor of the proposal. The United Kingdom abstained from voting. Until the end, the veto power held by the United States against the resolution led to its blockade. The permanent five members of the Security Council have the power to veto, and if any one of them votes against a proposal, it cannot be passed.
Israel’s closest ally is the United States. As a negotiation tactic in favor of the blockade proposal, Robert Wood, the U.S. ambassador appointed by the United Nations, stated, “The proposal is not balanced. It does not reflect reality.”
However, Russia criticized the United States for making the Security Council ineffective in addressing the Gaza issue. Russia has accused the United States of preventing the Security Council from effectively addressing the widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Dmitry Polyanskiy, the Russian ambassador appointed by the United Nations, alleged that Gaza has witnessed extensive devastation and human suffering due to the U.S.-backed Israeli policies.
The Russian ambassador stated, “Once again, the United States supports Israel’s policies and undermines the policy of the Security Council. Washington has failed to demonstrate ‘common sense’.”
