New York: The United States of America today vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution, blocking the adoption of a draft resolution proposed by the ten non-permanent members of the Council. The draft resolution, which received the backing of 14 out of 15 Council members, called for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire to be respected by all parties involved and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution reiterated its call for all parties to comply with their obligations under international law concerning detained individuals. It emphasized the necessity for civilians in the Gaza Strip to have immediate access to essential services and humanitarian aid required for their survival. The draft highlighted the Security Council's rejection of any action leading to the starvation of Palestinians and urged the facilitation of rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip. It aimed to ensure that assistance reaches all Palestinian civilians in need, including those in the besieged northern Gaza, who are in urgent need of humanitarian relief, under United Nations coordination. The resolution also called on all parties to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and the safeguarding of civilian objects.
