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China has condemned the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The move, according to Beijing, sends the “wrong message” and effectively permits the “continued slaughter” in the region. The resolution proposed by Algeria received backing from 13 out of the 15 Security Council members, with the UK choosing to abstain. However, under the council’s rules, any resolution vetoed by one of its five permanent members, including the U.S., is immediately discarded.
Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated following the eruption of conflict in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October. The ensuing Israeli military campaign has resulted in a significant loss of life in Gaza, with over 29,000 people reportedly killed and many more displaced. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with a considerable number of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah, a city bordering Egypt.
China’s criticism of the U.S. veto underscores the international community’s concern over the ongoing violence and its potential ramifications for regional stability. China’s UN ambassador, Zhang Jun, denounced the U.S. claim that the resolution would interfere with diplomatic negotiations as “totally untenable.” He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed and destabilization in the Middle East.
Algeria’s top UN diplomat expressed disappointment over the Security Council’s failure to adopt the resolution, urging members to reflect on their decision. Meanwhile, some U.S. allies, including France, lamented the lack of consensus on the resolution, given the dire humanitarian situation on the ground.
In response to Algeria’s proposal, the U.S. has put forward its own resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The resolution also urges the lifting of barriers on aid reaching Gaza. However, the U.S. decision to block Algeria’s resolution has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised about the potential consequences of prolonging the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue for a ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains precarious. The failure to reach a consensus at the UN Security Council underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the challenges in finding a resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas. As the international community grapples with the fallout from the veto, the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza becomes increasingly apparent.
