A resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the besieged and famine-stricken Gaza Strip was recently brought before the United Nations Security Council. However, the United States vetoed the proposal, once again jeopardizing a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Meanwhile, continuous attacks by the occupying Israeli forces have killed nearly 100 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours alone, while ongoing aid blockades have exacerbated the famine and humanitarian crisis.
According to Al Jazeera, on Wednesday, 14 out of 15 member states of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, but the US cast the sole dissenting vote, effectively striking it down.
The resolution also called for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. However, the US argued that the proposal was "unacceptable from the outset" because it did not directly link the ceasefire to their release.
Before the vote, US Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the Security Council, "Our opposition to this resolution is not new. The US position is clear—Israel has the right to defend itself, which includes defeating Hamas and ensuring it is never again threatened by them."
China's Condemnation and US Isolation
Condemning the US policy, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong stated, "The actions of the occupying Israeli forces have violated all limits of international humanitarian law. But due to the shield of one country, no one is being held accountable for these violations."
Al Jazeera political analyst Marwan Bishara noted, "This veto has completely isolated the United States. Most countries around the world are currently against the US position."
Gaza Violence and Famine: "Not Humanitarian Aid, It's a Trap"
Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported an intense wave of attacks across Deir al-Balah and central Gaza.
Gaza's Ministry of Health stated that at least 97 people were killed and over 440 injured on Wednesday alone due to Israeli brutality.
Israeli forces have reportedly fired upon hungry Palestinians gathered around aid distribution centers operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), labeling these areas as "combat zones." Since May 27, over a hundred people seeking aid around these centers have been shot dead, and hundreds more Palestinians have been injured.
Earlier, an incident on Tuesday morning where crowds collecting food were fired upon sparked widespread outrage. The crying son of Reem al-Akhras, who died in the hospital, tearfully recounted, "My mother went to get food for us, and that's how she died."
Her husband added, "Unarmed people are being killed every day. This is not humanitarian aid; it's a trap."
UN's Plea
Meanwhile, UN Humanitarian Aid Chief Tom Fletcher urged world leaders, "We have the plans, the capacity, the experience. Let us do our work. Open all border crossings. Let sufficient aid flow in from all directions."
He further emphasized, "We must ensure that our vehicles can move unhindered."
The UN has long blamed Israel and the lack of law and order within Gaza as primary obstacles to humanitarian aid delivery. Israel claims Hamas is stealing aid, but Hamas strongly denies this accusation. The World Food Programme stated they have found no evidence of such Israeli claims.
Children's Plight
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, speaking from Gaza, said, "I have seen teenage boys crying, showing their bones sticking out of their ribs. They are begging for food."
Overall Picture
Israel claims 58 captives are still held by Hamas in Gaza, with about one-third believed to be alive.
The Israeli aggression, which began on October 7, 2023, with the stated aim of rescuing these hostages and completely eliminating Hamas, has so far resulted in the deaths of over 54,600 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.
However, Gaza's government media office has updated their death toll to over 61,700, stating that thousands missing under the rubble are presumed dead.
This report fundamentally highlights the United States' isolated position amidst growing global pressure and alienation. The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza has shaken the international community, yet the path to ending the war remains distant.
