The US vetoed a UAE resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, even though 13 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted in favour of it. Britain abstained.
The resolution put forward by the UAE, the only Arab state on the 15-member council, was rejected by the US, ending a desperate effort by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Previously, US Ambassador to the UN Robert A. Wood had made it clear that Washington did not support an immediate ceasefire. He criticised the Security Council’s failure to condemn the October 7 Hamas raid and stressed the “fundamental disconnect” between discussions and reality on the ground. The United States, he said, opposes an immediate ceasefire because it would “only sow the seeds” for the next crisis. He consequently stressed the importance that “there must be no enduring displacement or reduction in Gaza’s territory.”
Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern over the possible collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, emphasizing the risk of devastating consequences.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador Barbara Woodward said the “shocking scale of civilian casualties” was distressing. Supporting Israel’s right to self-defence, she called for targeted and precise action, which includes the protection of civilians and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, as well as increased aid.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun supported the UAE’s draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire, noting that “it is crucial to save lives and pave the way for a two-state solution,” but also said there is a larger crisis looming that must be averted:
A larger crisis is imminent, and regional peace and security are on the precipice. The world is watching. Member States must act.
Russian Deputy Representative Dmitriy Polyanskiy said that the flooding of Gaza with seawater by the Israeli military as a military tactic would amount to a war crime. He also called for a cessation of hostilities:
We hope that all colleagues will find the strength and courage to adopt the draft resolution prepared by the United Arab Emirates.
UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab noted the importance of the Council, as little aid is reaching Gaza, putting civilians at increased risk, especially after a new phase of the conflict, particularly the blockade of Khan Younis and other areas of southern Gaza.
