UN Condemns Security Council’s Failure to Pass Crucial Ceasefire Resolution

Author: Dian Kencana
November 21, 2024

Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric. (ANTARA)

SEATOday.com, Jakarta – The United Nations (UN) expressed disappointment over the Security Council's failure to pass a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza after the United States blocked the draft, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated on Wednesday (11/20).

“This is yet another example of the regrettable lack of consensus within the Security Council among member states and, frankly, the failure to implement previous resolutions on Gaza,” Dujarric said during a press conference.

He added that the UN Secretary-General remains committed to supporting all efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the unconditional release of all hostages, and achieve a two-state solution.

Earlier on the same day, the US vetoed a proposed UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood explained that Washington could not support an “unconditional” ceasefire in Gaza.

The draft resolution, submitted by the 10 elected UNSC members Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland, received 14 votes.

In addition to demanding a ceasefire, the resolution reiterated demands for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, while urging the UNSC to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security.

The resolution also highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis and demands that the civilian population in the Gaza Strip be provided with immediate access to basic services and humanitarian assistance that are essential for their survival.

The draft UNSC resolution also rejects “any attempt to starve Palestinians” and calls for the facilitation of a full, rapid, safe and unimpeded large-scale influx of humanitarian aid to and throughout the Gaza Strip.