Palestine Condemns US Veto During UN Security Council Resolution Discussion

JAKARTA - The Palestinian Presidency condemns the US use of veto rights on the United Nations Security Council, to block a resolution calling for a ceasefire and an end to Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the Palestinian Presidency stated that the US's decision to exercise its veto rights for the fourth time made Israel bolder to continue its crimes against innocent civilians in Palestine and Lebanon, quoted from WAFA November 21.

The statement further criticized the US for ignoring international law and UN resolutions, including the decision of the International Court, calling for an end to Israel's occupation, withdrawing troops from Gaza, and stopping hostilities.

"Palestinian leadership has consistently called for a UN Security Council resolution based on Chapter VII to demand an immediate ceasefire, halt Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people, and support ongoing work from the UN Aid and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)," the presidency said.

The Palestinian presidency also urges the international community, particularly members of the UN Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities by taking immediate action to stop ongoing Israeli attacks, humanitarian disasters, and hunger that affect Gaza's population.

The statement also expressed gratitude to the ten elected Security Council members who tried to pass the resolution, thanking the permanent members who voted in support of it.

"The presidency calls on the Security Council to act decisively in protecting the Palestinian people and maintaining international peace and security, urging the full application of international law against Israel," the presidency said.

As previously reported, the United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Israel's war in Gaza, accusing council members of cynically rejecting efforts to achieve compromise.

The 15-member council held a resolution vote submitted by 10 non-permanent members, in a meeting calling for an "independent, unconditional and permanent ceasefire", separately demanding the release of hostages.

Only the US voted against it, using its veto rights as a permanent member of the council to block the resolution.