by Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States vetoed on Friday a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Thirteen members of the Security Council voted in favor of this resolution, presented at the initiative of the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.
“It’s not a question of isolation. It’s a question about what we think is best to try to end this conflict as soon as possible, and also to help facilitate incoming humanitarian aid in Gaza,” US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said before the vote.
“We cannot stop the conflict with the snap of a finger. The situation is very, very difficult,” he said.
The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire, saying it would benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports the establishment of pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack.
(With the contribution of Humeyra Pamuk and Jonathan Landay; French version Camille Raynaud)
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