US vetoes Algerian resolution on Gaza, Algeria stresses Council cannot afford passivity in face of what is unfolding in Gaza

NEW YORK: During the UN security meeting today on the situation in the Gaza Strip, the United States vetoed the latest resolution that was put forward on behalf of Arab States by Algeria, which demanded 'an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties.' The resolution has failed to be adopted due to a veto by the United States. The voting was 13 in favor, 1 abstention (the UK) with the US voting against. Algeria, on behalf of Arab states, submitted a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under brutal Israeli aggression since October 7. The draft resolution also rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians, called for compliance with international law and renewed the call for full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Amar Benjama, the Algerian Ambassador, introduced his country's resolution, saying it was a product of extensive discussions. He said the Council "cannot afford passivity" in t he face of what is unfolding in Gaza. He added that the Council must follow its mandate and demand an immediate ceasefire. 'Throughout this process we have heard calls to give time to a parallel track, with concerns raised that any action from the Council would jeopardize these efforts, however, almost one month after the ICJ orders, signs of hope are still absent for improvement on the situation in Gaza. Silence is not a viable option. Now is the time for action and the time for truth,' he said. 'The draft calls for a ceasefire, but the Council has failed once again to rise to the calls and aspirations of the people of the world,' he said. This failure does not absolve the Council of its mandate and the international community of its obligations, he added. 'It is high time for the aggression to end' and for humanitarian assistance to reach all those in need across Gaza.' The current situation requires everyone to provide protection to the Palestinian people and put an end to the historic injustice they have suffered, the ambassador said. 'The people of this region have always looked to the Security Council - however, it has failed them once again.' 'Our message for you today is that the international community should respond to the calls for ending the killing of Palestinians by calling for an immediate ceasefire,' he said. 'All those impeding such calls should review their policies and calculations because wrong decisions today will have a cost on our region and our world tomorrow. This cost will be violence and instability.' Algeria will return tomorrow on behalf of the Arab world, of Muslim countries and the free people of the world, "powered by the souls of thousands of innocent people" killed by the Israeli occupation with no accountability whatsoever, he said. 'Algeria will return to knock on the doors of the Security Council once again to put an end to the bloodshed,' he said. 'We will not stop until this Council shoulders its responsibility in full and imposes an immediate ceasefire. We will ne ver tire, and we will never stop.' Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA