Media Describes US Veto in UN Security Council as Stained with Blood of Israelis and Palestinians

20 October 2023

The US veto within the UN Security Council against a draft resolution addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is expected to result in a higher toll of civilian casualties in the Middle East. This viewpoint was articulated in an editorial by China's Global Times newspaper, which commented on the US's opposition to the resolution proposed by Brazil.

 

"The US veto is marred by the suffering of innocent civilians and represents a significant injustice. It not only hinders collaborative efforts within the UN Security Council but also conveys a highly unfavorable message, suggesting that the UN struggles to uphold fundamental international humanitarian principles during crucial times," asserted the publication. "In essence, it provides tacit approval to those who disregard international humanitarian law. Despite the US's frequent rhetoric on human rights, it consistently obstructs resolutions concerning Palestine and turns a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip," as observed by the Global Times.

 

The newspaper stated that the reasons given by the United States for employing the veto are not justifiable and appear to be mere pretexts. In a previous instance, the US blocked the Russian resolution, citing its failure to condemn the Palestinian radical Hamas movement. Subsequently, it vetoed the Brazilian version because it did not acknowledge Israel's right to self-defense.

 

"The newspaper underscored that US bias is a fundamental factor contributing to the enduring Palestinian issue. It called upon the international community to prioritize the urgent establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire to avert the escalation of this conflict into a regional catastrophe. The United States carries the primary responsibility in this matter and cannot evade it,"  the newspaper said.

 

On October 17, the UN Security Council faced a deadlock in its attempt to adopt a Russian draft resolution addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and calling for a ceasefire. The document garnered support from five countries: Russia, China, Gabon, Mozambique, and the UAE. Six nations, namely Albania, Brazil, Ghana, Malta, Switzerland, and Ecuador, chose to abstain. On the opposing side, four nations—France, Japan, the UK, and the US—voted against the resolution. Following this, Brazil introduced its own draft resolution, which was subsequently met with a U.S. veto. In this case, twelve members of the UN Security Council voted in favor of the new draft resolution, the UK and Russia opted for abstention, and the US stood as the sole opposing vote.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: marco vannozzi/Pixabay

Based on materials from TASS