Russia vows not to give up as China claims the US veto gives Israel the green light to continue its massacres in the Gaza Strip.
The United States has again vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Israel's war in Gaza, drawing widespread criticism from rivals and allies alike.
Tuesday's move was the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and the U.S. veto of a resolution supporting a temporary ceasefire related to the release of all Israeli prisoners from the Palestinian enclave. This was done the day after it was distributed.
The 15-nation council voted 13-1 with Britain abstaining, reflecting strong support from countries around the world for an end to the devastating conflict that has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians. are doing.
Here's how countries and world leaders reacted:
China
According to Xinhua news agency, China's special envoy to the UN, Zhang Jun, expressed “strong disappointment and dissatisfaction” with the United States.
“The US veto sends the wrong message and pushes the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous situation,” Zhang said, adding that opposition to the Gaza ceasefire is “no different than giving a green light to continued genocide.” No,” he added.
“Only by extinguishing the flames of war in the Gaza Strip can the world prevent the hellfire from engulfing the entire region,” Xinhua News Agency quoted him as saying.
Russia
Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia said the US veto had written “a new black page in the history of the Security Council”.
He said the United States would buy time for Israel to complete its “inhumane plan” for the Gaza Strip, to exclude Palestinians from the territory and completely “cleanse” the enclave. They accused him of doing so.
He added that no matter how bitter the “aftertaste” of the vote, “we are not willing to give up.”
France
Nicolas de Rivière, France's special envoy to the United Nations, expressed regret that “given the dire situation in Gaza, a Security Council ceasefire resolution could not be adopted.”
Delibière added that France, which voted in favor of the resolution, will continue its efforts towards the release of all prisoners of war and the “immediate implementation” of the ceasefire.
France regrets that the 🇩🇿 resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was not adopted, given the dire situation on the ground.
All hostages must be released now and a ceasefire must be implemented immediately.
France will continue to engage with the Security Council for that purpose. pic.twitter.com/dqwSWwgVQZ
— Nicolas de Riviere (@NDeRiviere) February 20, 2024
algeria
Algeria's envoy said the Security Council had “failed yet again” and warned that the move could have serious repercussions for the entire Middle East.
“What we want to say to you today is that the international community must respond to calls to end the killing of Palestinians by calling for an immediate ceasefire. “All those who block such calls should reconsider their policies and calculations, because they will be damaging to the region and the world. And the price will be violence and destabilization,” Amar said.・Mr. Benjamin said.
“So ask yourself, examine your conscience. What will your decisions today cause? How will history judge you?”
Hamas
Palestinian groups said US President Joe Biden's decision to block Algeria's draft resolution benefits the Israeli occupation's objective of “killing and displacing” Palestinians.
“President Joe Biden and his administration are directly responsible for derailing the ceasefire resolution in Gaza,” Hamas said in a statement. “The American position is seen as a green light for occupation forces to commit further massacres and kill innocent people through bombing and starvation.”
Palestinian Authority
The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the US veto defied the international community and gave Israel “a further green light for the Israeli occupation to continue its aggression against the Gaza population and launch a bloody attack on Rafah.” Stated.
The Palestinian president's office also said the US government had a responsibility to “support and protect” Israel's “barbaric attacks” against children, women and the elderly in the Gaza Strip.
“This policy makes the United States a partner in the crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed by the Israeli military,” the office said.
qatar
Qatar's UN Ambassador Aliyah Ahmed Saif Al Thani regrets that the Security Council did not adopt the resolution drafted by Algeria and pledges to continue promoting efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. did.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “regret” over the veto, saying it “now more than ever needs to reform the Security Council to carry out its responsibilities in maintaining peace and security with credibility and without double standards.” “It's necessary,” he emphasized.
#statement | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its regret over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's veto of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. #Gaza The Strip and surrounding areas submitted by Algeria to the Security Council on behalf of Arab countries. pic.twitter.com/6S0COWbERD
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) February 20, 2024
Norway
Norway's mission to the United Nations said it “regrets” the Council's failure to adopt a resolution on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
“It is essential that the terror in Gaza end,” he added.
Norway regrets #UNSC Once again, a resolution on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire could not be adopted. #Gaza.
Ending the terror in Gaza is essential. pic.twitter.com/9Sh3ntIQty— Norway UN (@NorwayUN) February 20, 2024
Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez accused the United States of complicit in Israel's crimes against Palestinians by using its veto.
“The United States has once again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an end to the forced displacement of the Palestinian population,” Bermudez said in a social media post. “They are accomplices in Israel's genocide against Palestine.”
amnesty international
Agnes Callamard, head of the human rights group, said the United States had the chance to protect Palestinian civilians but chose “the opposite path” at the Security Council.
“And also…when the United States can do the right thing: protect the Palestinian people from the grave risk of genocide. Respect international law and universality. To prevent mass killing and suffering, we must take the opposite path.” I chose it,” Callamard said.