US Veto of Cease-Fire Resolution in Gaza Met with International Criticism

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as Israel continues to kill and displace tens of thousands of Palestinians. This is the second time the council has brought a cease-fire resolution to the floor since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds taken hostage, more than 100 of whom were killed.

However, the resolution was vetoed by the United States, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken defending the decision. Blinken noted a gap between Israel’s stated intent of limiting civilian casualties and the reality of the situation, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that Israel could face a strategic defeat, given the civilian casualties.

In response to the veto, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont was interviewed on Dec. 10, 2023. When asked if the administration’s criticism was vocal enough, Sanders said that the President is trying to make clear to Netanyahu that both Blinken and Austin are right.

The veto of the resolution has been met with criticism from the international community, with many calling for the United States to take a stronger stance in support of a cease-fire. The United Nations Security Council is expected to continue to discuss the resolution in the coming days, as the situation in Gaza remains dire.