The United States vetoed once more on Tuesday a proposed United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Algerian-drafted text received thirteen votes in support from council members, with the United Kingdom abstaining. Since the current conflict began on October 7, the U.S. has vetoed a draft resolution three times.
The U.S. is concerned that the draft resolution may jeopardize negotiations that aim to broker a pause of hostilities and the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire without an agreement requiring Hamas to release the hostages will not bring about a durable peace. Instead, it could extend the fighting between Hamas and Israel,” Thomas-Greenfield cautioned the council prior to the vote.
Washington traditionally protects Israel from UN action. It has abstained twice, allowing the council to pass resolutions to increase Gaza aid and call for longer fighting pauses.