In a move that has become tragically predictable, the United States has once again deployed its veto power at the UN Security Council, blocking a resolution advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This decision, far from surprising, underscores a longstanding trend where the US aligns itself with the oppressor rather than the oppressed. The consistent exercise of the veto power calls into question the US’s commitment to international stability and justice, tarnishing its peace credentials.
The repercussions of this veto are far-reaching, as it not only sustains but also emboldens Israel in its relentless offensive in occupied Palestinian territories. The Gaza conflict, now spanning two months, has exacted a devastating toll, with reports indicating a staggering loss of 17,487 Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children.
International voices have not remained silent on the matter. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in an unprecedented move, formally warned the Security Council of the global threat posed by the prolonged conflict. Additionally, the Saudi Foreign Minister stressed the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, emphasizing the establishment of a credible roadmap leading to a Palestinian state. The United States, by vetoing the resolution, stands complicit in the ongoing tragedy, casting a shadow over its commitment to global peace.
Despite condemnations from humanitarian agencies and civil society groups, the US’s obstinate stance remains unsaid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter to overcome member states’ apathy, aptly noted, “the people of Gaza are looking into the abyss.” The consequences of this situation are severe, with the death toll exceeding 17,000 and rising, potentially escalating into a global conflict as bystanders are compelled to act.
The two-month conflict and Israel’s relentless bombardment have not only endangered peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions but have also confirmed the “Israelisation” of the United Nations. Claims that the resolution was “divorced from reality” and would not have influenced the situation on the ground only serve as appeasement toward Zionist states, neglecting the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. The Biden administration’s alignment with the Netanyahu government in Tel Aviv is a misguided choice that alienates allies in the Middle East and the Muslim world, marking a transient episode of arrogance.
Gaza stands as a dangerous flashpoint, and the world, including powerful Western states, plays with fire by maintaining silence in the face of Israel’s actions. The growing global revulsion in academia and social media against Israel and its supporters is reshaping historical narratives. The US veto is not just a diplomatic maneuver; it is a stain on the conscience of global justice and a shameful act that must be addressed before the world witnesses further escalation and irreversible consequences.