US vetoes Gaza war UN resolution that doesn’t stress Israeli right to self-defense

The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a “humanitarian pause” in the raging Israel-Hamas war because the text did not include respect for Israel’s right to defend itself.

“The United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel’s right of self-defense,” says US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “Like every nation in the world, Israel has the inherent right of self-defense, as reflected in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

“Following previous terrorist attacks by groups such as al-Qaida and ISIS, this council reaffirmed that right. This text should have done the same,” she adds.

Twelve out of 15 council members voted in favor of the resolution put forward by Brazil and negotiated over several days, while Russia and the United Kingdom abstained.

The United States was the only vote against, but as one of the body’s five permanent members, its vote counts as a veto.

The resolution said the council “firmly condemns all violence and hostilities against civilians and all acts of terrorism.”

It said the body “unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas… and the taking of hostages.” The Russian resolution voted down yesterday did not even mention Hamas.

Today’s text also “urges all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law.”