US veto halts UN Gaza ceasefire

The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza, marking the third consecutive veto by the United States since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The draft resolution, proposed by Algeria, called for "an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, to be respected by all parties," garnering 13 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention from Britain.

Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, Amar Benjamal, stated, "A vote in favor of this resolution is support for the Palestinians' right to life. Conversely, voting against implies approval of violence and collective punishment imposed on them."

On the other hand, US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, had announced on Saturday that the US would veto the resolution due to concerns that it could jeopardize negotiations between the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, aimed at halting hostilities and releasing hostages.

"Any action this council takes at this moment should aid, not hinder, these delicate and ongoing negotiations. We believe the resolution currently on the table would indeed have a negative impact on these negotiations," Thomas-Greenfield asserted before the council.

It is noted that the US presented an alternative resolution, in favor of implementing a temporary ceasefire and against a major Israeli ground operation in Rafah, according to a text obtained by Reuters.

The resolution drafted by Algeria, vetoed by the US, did not link the ceasefire to the release of hostages. It separately called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons and the unconditional release of all hostages.

[With information sourced from AFP, Reuters and AMNA]