The United States has vetoed a counterproductive UN Security Council resolution on Gaza, rejecting the measure's failure to condemn Hamas and its refusal to disarm and leave the territory. The veto statement was issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that the U.S. will not support any resolution that draws a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas or disregards Israel's right to defend itself.
Rubio stated that Hamas could end the brutal conflict in Gaza immediately by laying down its arms and releasing all remaining hostages, including the remains of the four Americans murdered. He noted that many members of the Security Council still refuse to acknowledge this reality, which he claims undermines diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire.
The U.S. Secretary of State warned that the resolution would have only empowered Hamas to continue stealing aid and threatening civilians. In response, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to freeing all hostages and supporting the delivery of aid to Gaza without Hamas' interference. He also pledged to ensure that Hamas and other terrorists have no future in Gaza.
The U.S.-Israel relationship at the UN has been a subject of tension in recent months, with the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its support for Israel's annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria contributing to these tensions. Rubio's decision to veto this resolution may be seen as an effort to strengthen ties between the two nations.
The UN Security Council resolution, which was introduced by a group of countries led by the Palestinian Authority, was intended to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, its language was criticized for drawing a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, and Rubio's veto effectively blocked any further discussion on the matter.
The United States' decision to veto this resolution has significant implications for U.S.-Palestinian relations and the broader Middle East peace process. As the conflict in Gaza continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the veto and whether efforts to reach a ceasefire can still be made.