U.S. Veto of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Draws Global Criticism as ICC Issues Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders
The United States faced widespread international pushback after vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, while separately, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leadership. The U.S. stood alone in opposing the resolution, which was supported by 10 non-permanent Security Council members. Robert Wood, deputy U.S. ambassador to the UN, defended the decision, stating that any ceasefire must be explicitly linked to the release of hostages. "A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked," Wood explained. China led the diplomatic response, with Ambassador Fu Cong criticizing the U.S. for rendering the Security Council "incapable of playing its role." Several nations, including Ireland and Portugal, called for reform of the Security Council veto power, which […]