In a pivotal moment at the United Nations, a significant bid to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza faced a major setback as the United States wielded its veto power on Friday. This development unfolded against the backdrop of relentless Israeli offensives targeting Hamas, following the group’s unprecedented attack two months ago, resulting in a staggering death toll of 17,487 people, predominantly women and children.
The Israeli forces, determined to eradicate Hamas, cited the group’s October 7 assault, which claimed around 1,200 lives and left 138 individuals in captivity, according to Israeli figures. The repercussions of the conflict have transformed vast areas of Gaza into a desolate wasteland, displacing approximately 80 percent of the population. This displacement has triggered severe shortages of essential resources such as food, fuel, water, and medicine, escalating the threat of disease, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, an unusual move, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging the release of hostages. However, the US, a significant military aid provider to Israel, thwarted the resolution, dismissing it as “divorced from reality” and claiming it would not bring tangible progress on the ground. Despite dire warnings from the World Health Organization about the collapsing situation in Gaza, the resolution faced a roadblock as reported by NDTV.
As the conflict rages on, Israel reported striking 450 targets in Gaza within 24 hours, showcasing footage of naval strikes in the Mediterranean. The Hamas health ministry reported 40 casualties near Gaza City and additional casualties in other regions. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and the World Health Organization, condemned the Security Council, with MSF labeling it “complicit in the ongoing slaughter.”
The situation has escalated to the point where civilians are resorting to extreme measures for survival. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier expressed concerns about Gazans resorting to cutting down telephone poles for firewood due to the scarcity of resources.
On the diplomatic front, French President Emmanuel Macron joined international leaders in urging more aid to Gaza, while Jordanians protested near the US embassy in Amman, denouncing Washington’s support for Israel. The conflict has also seen an attack on the US embassy in Iraq, deepening fears of a broader regional conflict.
As the international community grapples with the escalating crisis, the UN’s attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza faced a formidable obstacle with the US veto. The consequences of this decision are felt deeply in the war-torn region, where civilian suffering continues unabated. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the world watches closely, hoping for diplomatic breakthroughs and relief for the affected populations.
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