The United States vetoed a United Nations (U.N.) resolution on Wednesday, Oct. 18, that would have condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel, called for humanitarian protection for people in Gaza and advocated for the release of Israeli hostages.
Brazil proposed this resolution and gained the support of 12 of the 15 Security Council members. However, in addition to the U.S. veto, the U.K. and Russia abstained from voting.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield explained that she vetoed the resolution due to the text’s lack of support for Israel.
“The United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel’s right of self-defense,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “Like every nation in the world, Israel has the inherent right of self-defense…Following previous terrorist attacks by groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, this Council reaffirmed that right. This text should have done the same.”
The U.N. Security Council consists of 15 members. There are five permanent members: the U.S., China, Russia, France and the U.K. These states have veto power, allowing them to strike down any resolution or decision. The Security Council also seats ten non-permanent members, including Brazil, who serve two-year terms.
The U.S. veto sparked global criticism. However, U.N. resolutions are merely symbolic. They are formal expressions of opinion of the U.N., therefore having limited international power. The body is not a legislature but attempts to establish world security and peace.
“Sadly, very sadly, the Council was yet again unable to adopt a resolution on these conflicts. Again, silence and inaction prevailed to no one’s true long-term interest,” U.N. Ambassador to Brazil Sergio Franca Danese said after the U.S. veto.
According to CNN, about two million people in Gaza have lost access to food, water and electricity. In addition, the Associated Press reported that over 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and over 4,300 individuals in Gaza have died.
The Israel-Hamas war also sparked protests throughout the world. On Saturday, Oct. 21, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters flooded the streets of London. Similar demonstrations have also taken place in various Muslim countries.
“Let’s be clear: Hamas’ own actions have brought this on–this severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “And Hamas has caused so much needless suffering, death and destruction. Every member state should condemn Hamas’ terrorism and cruelty. And every member state should call on Hamas to cease its endless barrage of rockets against Israel.”
The U.S. veto further emphasizes its commitment to the rights of Israel, reinforcing America as a world superpower that seeks to enforce its and its allies’ diplomatic views into international affairs. However, this action will have little to no effect on the war between Israel and Hamas. Instead, states will have to make individual efforts to mend this conflict, which may include bypassing U.N. requests.
