US vetoes UN ceasefire resolution for Gaza, citing imbalance and unrealistic terms

US vetoed United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza,  calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, on Friday (local time). resolution, backed by over 90 member states and put forward by United Arab Emirates, received 13 votes in favour, while UK abstained from voting.

Reasons for US veto on Gaza ceasefire at UNSC

resolution, backed by over 90 member states and put forward by United Arab Emirates, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, was vetoed by US Deputy Representative at UN, Robert Wood. resolution received 13 votes in favour, while UK abstained from voting.

Here's why US vetoed calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas: 

1. US Deputy Representative, Robert Wood, stressed that resolution is "divorced from reality" and “would not have moved needle forward on ground.”
2. Wood explained US's reluctance to support an unconditional ceasefire, stating it would be "dangerous" and leave Hamas in a position to attack again.
3. He expressed disappointment in resolution's failure to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, including acts of terrorism and sexual violence.
4. Robert Wood highlighted UNSC's failure to condemn Hamas' October 7 attack as a "serious moral failure" and underscored "fundamental disconnect" between discussions in Chamber and realities on ground.

Meanwhile, UK abstained from draft resolution, citing its failure to condemn atrocities committed by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7. Ambassor Barbara Woodward emphasized need for Israel to dress threat posed by Hamas while abiding by international humanitarian law. Furr, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated condemnation of Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7, expressing being "appalled" by reports of sexual violence. Secretary-General stated that re is "no possible justification" for deliberate killing of over 1,200 people, including 33 children, and injuring thousands while taking hundreds hostage. Guterres emphasized that brutality of Hamas cannot justify collective punishment of Palestinian people. He called on international community to "spare no effort" to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, protection of civilians, and urgent delivery of lifesaving aid.