U.S. vetoes Security Council resolution calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO- 20 November 2024: The United States vetoed on Wednesday a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The US representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas, considered that an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza means recognizing Hamas's continued presence in the Strip.

The draft resolution addressed several issues related to the release of detainees, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

All members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution proposed for a ceasefire in Gaza except the United States.

On Monday, Egypt has strongly condemned the continued Israeli attacks on Gaza, highlighting the latest assault on a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Al-Shati Refugee Camp.

The attack resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Egypt emphasized that targeting UN facilities in occupied Palestinian territories represents a blatant violation of international law and reflects a disregard for global humanitarian principles. It criticized the international community for its failure to uphold basic human values due to apparent double standards.

In addition to Gaza, Egypt condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, warning against continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty. These actions, Cairo stressed, exacerbate regional instability and complicate an already volatile situation.

Earlier, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that aid to Gaza has remained inadequate throughout the ongoing Israeli assault on the enclave, which has lasted for over 13 months. According to Cairo News Channel, the humanitarian situation has become unbearable, with Palestinians desperately seeking minimal access to bread and water.

The relentless Israeli aggression by air, land, and sea has caused widespread devastation, leaving thousands of casualties, primarily women and children. The ongoing violence has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis.

UNRWA highlighted that thousands of bodies remain trapped under rubble due to continuous bombing and the dangerous conditions on the ground.