Biden admin vetoes UN Security Council draft resolution against Israel that would ’embolden Hamas’
The Biden administration faced growing pressure from members of Congress and pro-Israel voices as they vetoed a draft resolution against Israel at the United Nations Security Council. The resolution, sponsored by the 10 non-permanent members of the council, received a 14-1 vote in favor but was ultimately not adopted due to the U.S. veto.
U.S. Ambassador Robert A. Wood strongly criticized the draft resolution, which favored the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas over the release of more than 100 hostages, including seven Americans held by the organization in Gaza. Wood accused the council members of seeking a “cynical” outcome and a “path of discord.”
Wood expressed frustration at the council members who wanted the U.S. to veto the resolution, suggesting that they preferred to provoke conflict rather than secure the hostages’ freedom. He emphasized that the resolution’s demand for an “unconditional cease-fire with Hamas means this council accepts Hamas retaining power in Gaza,” a proposition the United States could not support.
The resolution, overseen by Algeria, called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent cease-fire to be imposed on Israel but did not guarantee the release of the hostages. Wood argued that such a resolution would have sent a dangerous message to Hamas, allowing them to continue their bad-faith negotiation strategy.
The proposed resolution failed to address Hamas’ culpability in the conflict, including their role in the slaughter of nearly 1,200 people, including over 40 Americans. Wood pointed out that it was Hamas, not Israel, standing in the way of a cease-fire, and some council members refused to acknowledge Hamas’ instigation of the war against Israel.
Following Wood’s remarks, French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière expressed regret that the resolution was not adopted, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the disregard for international humanitarian law.
In response to the veto, Senator Ted Cruz warned of additional assaults on Israel being planned at the United Nations to undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress. Cruz pledged to work with his colleagues and President Trump to counter these measures, including reevaluating the U.S.’s relationship with the U.N. and the Palestinians, cutting aid, imposing sanctions on responsible officials, and opposing governments and NGOs supporting these actions.