US stop Gaza ceasefire Resolution at the UN Security Council

On Wednesday, November 20th, the US vetoed the UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an unconditional release of all hostages. 

In order to be adopted, a resolution has to obtain at least 9 votes in favour and no negative vote (or veto) from the five permanent members. Regardless of the 14 votes in favour, the resolution was not approved because of the negative vote by the US, a permanent member. 

Robert Wood, the representative Ambassador of the US, declared that the United States could not support an unconditional ceasefire unless it depended on the release of all the hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas and other militants. 

Had the resolution been adopted, it would have requested the immediate access of basic services in the Gaza Strip for all civilians. The threat of a famine keeps growing, especially in the North, while the Israeli siege continues. The resolution also requested the facilitation of rapid and safe entry of aids in all the Strip and their delivery to all of those in need. 

The draft also urged respect for international humanitarian law, as well as the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.