Staff Reports
President Biden’s administration has had its fair share of misfires, but on Wednesday, it managed to hit the bullseye by vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This decisive action came after the U.S. stood alone, battling against a tidal wave of 14 other votes in favor of the resolution. The reason for the veto? The proposal failed to tie an immediate ceasefire to one vital condition: the release of hostages held by Hamas, some of whom have been languishing in captivity for over a year.
The resolution in question stipulated an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” which, according to the U.S., was more of a birthday wish list for Hamas than a serious proposal for peace. The draft resolution, introduced by Guyana, placed undue emphasis on demanding that Israel provide food and humanitarian assistance, all while neglecting to firmly insist on the release of its own citizens who have been taken hostage. Classic case of putting the cart before the horse.
#BREAKING
United States VETOES Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostagesRESULT
In Favor: 14
Against: 1 (US)
Abstain: 0 pic.twitter.com/BpUj5xhJHE— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) November 20, 2024
Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood made it clear that the Biden administration was not ready to condone Hamas’s tactics of holding innocent people hostage while simultaneously being pampered with international sympathy and aid. His statement highlighted the unyielding connection between securing the hostages’ release and achieving lasting peace. The resolution’s failure to recognize this crucial link was deemed unacceptable by the U.S., which firmly stated that there could not be peace without justice for the captives.
Critics of the ceasefire resolution have made strong arguments, claiming it would send a dangerous message to Hamas that violence pays off. Israel’s representative pointed out the absurdity of rewarding terrorists who have a track record of rejecting compromises and deals that could lead to peace. Instead of paving the way for negotiations, the resolution would likely result in more violence and suffering for both Israeli citizens and Palestinians caught in the conflict.
This marked the fourth time the U.S. has vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution related to a Gaza ceasefire since the current conflict became heightened last October. The ongoing crisis was sparked by a ruthless onslaught of terror attacks from Hamas, which must surely give pause to those advocating for appeasement. The U.S. stands firm that without the release of hostages and the cessation of terrorist actions by Hamas, there is no basis for a truce. Until Hamas chooses to surrender their weapons and set the hostages free, the comforting notion of peace remains a distant dream, and the U.S. is not about to play the enabler in this volatile saga.
