The United States vetoed an Algerian resolution on Tuesday at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, following a phone call between Ahmed Attaf and Anthony Blinken, purportedly confirming “a convergence of views on Gaza” between the two countries.
The resolution received thirteen votes in favor, one abstention (United Kingdom), and one against, marking the third American veto since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“A vote in favor of this draft resolution is a support for the Palestinians’ right to life,” the Algerian envoy to the UN, Amar Bendjama, told the UNSC. “Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them.”
Algeria’s resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as unhindered humanitarian access.
“Almost one month after the ICJ [ruling], signs of hope are still absent for improvement of the situation in Gaza,” Bendjama said. “Silence … is not a viable option. Now is the time for action and the time for truth.”
“Any action this council takes right now should help, not hinder these sensitive and ongoing negotiations, and we believe that the resolution on the table right now would in fact negatively impact those negotiations,” U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated.
“Demanding an immediate unconditional ceasefire without an agreement requiring Hamas to release the hostages will not bring about durable peace. Instead, it could extend the fighting between Hamas and Israel,” he added, denouncing the 13-1 vote in favor of the Algerian resolution as “wishful and irresponsible.”
The U.S. offered an alternative draft that seeks to pressure Hamas into accepting the hostage deal and facilitate humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. The text condemns Hamas for recent attacks, reaffirms the rejection of forced displacements, and supports the two-state solution. It also rules out a major ground offensive into Rafah.
The American project stands firm on Rafah, cautioning that “a significant ground offensive should not take place under current conditions.” “We do not plan to rush to a vote on our draft,” affirmed a senior U.S. official on Monday, stating that there is no “deadline.”