The United States used on Tuesday its veto power to kill Algeria’s draft resolution on the situation in Gaza, saying the proposed “resolution puts sensitive negotiations in jeopardy”, making reference to talks to free hostages in Gaza.
At UN Security Council, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said her country is working on a hostage deal, stressing that a cessation of hostilities without securing the release of hostages in Hamas’s captivity would only prolong the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“Demanding an immediate, unconditional cease-fire without an agreement requiring Hamas to release the hostages will not bring about a durable peace,” said U.S. diplomat in a comment on the Algerian-drafted resolution.
The U.S. circulated an alternative text calling for a temporary cease-fire and the release of more than 100 Israeli hostages, noting that the Council’s actions should help and not hinder sensitive ongoing negotiations.
This is the third time Washington has used its Security Council veto to block a cease-fire measure. The U.S. has vetoed or abstained from voting on previous resolutions on Gaza, while Russia and China have vetoed a U.S. proposal.