US Warns of Veto Power Against Gaza Ceasefire Resolution at UN Security Council

Defense News ,UN :- The United States issued a warning on Saturday regarding its potential use of veto power at the UN Security Council against a resolution advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by CNN.

According to CNN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, cautioned that the US would exercise its veto power if the resolution, proposed by Algeria and calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, were to come to a vote at the UN Security Council.

In a statement, Thomas-Greenfield highlighted ongoing efforts by the United States to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at facilitating the release of hostages and instigating a pause in the conflict for at least six weeks.

"President Biden has had multiple calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, to advance this deal. Despite existing gaps, the key elements are on the table," the ambassador stated, according to CNN.

She emphasized that the proposed deal represents the best opportunity to reunite hostages with their families and enable a sustained pause in fighting, allowing essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, medicine, and more to reach Palestinian civilians in need.

Contrasting the proposed deal with the resolution in the Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield asserted, "The resolution put forward...would not achieve these outcomes, and indeed, may run counter to them. For that reason, the United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted."

Last week, Arab countries at the UN reaffirmed their support for the Algerian draft resolution, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian relief amid the looming threat of Israel's ground invasion of Rafah.

In a press briefing alongside other members, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, urged the UN to act, stating the group believes there is "massive" support for the proposed resolution.

Thomas-Greenfield, in her Saturday statement, called on the UN Security Council to ensure that "any action we take in the coming days increases pressure on Hamas to accept the proposal on the table."

She emphasized the US commitment to diplomatic engagement and stated that the US "will be candid" with Israeli and regional leaders about expectations for the protection of Rafah's more than one million civilians.

"It is critical that other parties give this process the best odds of succeeding, rather than push measures that put it—and the opportunity for an enduring resolution of hostilities—in jeopardy," the statement concluded.