In a contentious session at the United Nations Security Council, the United States exercised its veto power to block a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Proposed by Brazil, the resolution sought to condemn “terrorist attacks by Hamas,” advocate for the release of hostages, and call for a temporary ceasefire to address urgent humanitarian concerns.
While twelve members of the Security Council supported the draft, the United Kingdom and Russia abstained from voting. The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, explained the US position, expressing the need for diplomacy to take its course while emphasizing that the resolution did not explicitly acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense, as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
In a related development, President Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv, echoed Israel’s claim that it was not responsible for the recent bombing of al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. Biden cited information provided by the US Defense Department as the basis for this assessment. The Israeli government maintained that they had presented their evidence to the American authorities ahead of Biden’s arrival.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the possibility of an imminent ground invasion looming. All eyes are also on the northern border to monitor potential actions by Hezbollah, a paramilitary group aligned with Iran.
Despite mass protests erupting across Arab capitals and other parts of the world, President Biden reaffirmed unwavering US support for Israel. This stance differs from that of some European leaders, including France’s President Macron, who appeared to criticize Israel for the hospital bombing. Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, contended that the responsibility lay with Hamas, emphasizing that Israel would take all possible measures to protect civilians.
In response to Biden’s visit, Arab leaders, including King Abdullah of Jordan and Egypt’s President Sisi, canceled planned meetings with the US President. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to express condolences for the civilian lives lost in the hospital explosion.
The incident at al-Ahli Anglican hospital in Gaza City has led to calls for a thorough investigation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his visit to Egypt, emphasized the need to determine precisely what occurred. Meanwhile, anger has flared on the Arab street, with reports of fires at the entrance of the US Embassy complex in Beirut overnight.
