The United States opposes a new UN resolution concerning the conflict in Gaza, according to Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood.
The draft resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israel’s military actions in southern Rafah. Algeria initiated the resolution after an Israeli strike killed 45 people in a displaced persons camp.
The draft resolution invokes the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice and demands that Israel halt its offensive in Rafah and release all hostages.
The US believes that another resolution won’t change the situation and insists on negotiations for a ceasefire. The White House also criticizes the resolution, blaming Hamas for the conflict and suggesting that Hamas could end the fighting by agreeing to a ceasefire and releasing hostages. Previous talks between Israel and Hamas failed to reach a ceasefire deal.
During a Wednesday meeting, numerous Security Council members emphasized the recent ICJ ruling, directing Israel to cease its invasion in Rafah promptly. French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere urged the council to urgently address the situation in Rafah and demand an end to the offensive.
Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett expressed her country’s sense of helplessness in the face of the dehumanization of a people and the disregard for the rule of law and impunity. She questioned when the conflict would end and who could bring about its conclusion.
Rodrigues-Birkett emphasized the importance of not remaining silent, considering the tragic toll of lives lost in the war.
Since the outbreak of conflict following the October 7 Hamas raid on Israel and Israel’s subsequent bombing campaign of Gaza, the council has struggled to present a unified stance. Israel’s actions have resulted in a significant loss of civilian lives in Gaza.
Despite previously passing resolutions focused on providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Security Council managed to pass a resolution in March calling for an immediate ceasefire, a plea previously hindered by the United States, Israel’s key ally.
