US Warns of Veto on New Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has expressed opposition to an Algerian-proposed resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, stating that if presented for a vote in its current form, the U.S. would not endorse it. Thomas-Greenfield highlighted ongoing efforts by the U.S. to negotiate a deal between Israel and Hamas, aiming for the release of hostages and a six-week halt in hostilities.

Throughout the past week, President Joe Biden has engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from Egypt and Qatar to advance this initiative. According to Thomas-Greenfield, the proposed U.S. deal is seen as the most viable option for reuniting hostages with their families and facilitating a significant pause in the conflict, which would enable crucial humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians in need.

Contrary to this, the resolution proposed at the UN Security Council is viewed by the U.S. as counterproductive to these goals. Consequently, the U.S. has made it clear that it does not back the draft resolution and would reject it if brought to a vote in its existing form.

Arab nations within the UN have reiterated their backing for the Algerian draft resolution, which advocates for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian assistance, especially in light of Israel’s anticipated ground offensive in Rafah. The Palestinian UN ambassador, Riyad Mansour, has called for urgent action, citing broad support for the resolution.

In response, Thomas-Greenfield urged the Security Council to consider actions that would bolster the U.S.-led proposal and continue diplomatic efforts to persuade Hamas to accept the deal. She emphasized the importance of protecting over a million civilians in Rafah and cautioned against measures that could undermine the chances of a lasting peace resolution.