The United States vetoed a UN Security Council demand last night for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and unhindered aid access across the enclave.
“The US has been clear we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the council before the vote.
“This resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground, and embolden Hamas,” she said of the text that was put forward by 10 countries on the 15-member council.
The remaining 14 council members voted in favour of the draft resolution.
Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot stay in Gaza. It has renewed its military offensive in Gaza – also seeking to free hostages held by Hamas – since ending a two-month ceasefire in March.
Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes killed 45 Palestinians yesterday and Israel said a soldier died in fighting. A humanitarian crisis also grips the enclave of more than two million people, famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on May 19.
No aid was distributed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) yesterday as it pressed Israel to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its so-called secure distribution sites after a deadly incident.
The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to “guide foot traffic in a way that minimises confusion or escalation risks” near military positions, develop clearer guidance for civilians, and enhance training to support civilian safety.
Hospital officials have said more than 80 people were shot dead and hundreds wounded near distribution points in a three-day period from Sunday, including at least 27 killed on Tuesday.
Locals said Israeli soldiers opened fire on the crowd on Tuesday that massed before dawn to seek food. The military has denied this, but acknowledged that troops fired at “suspects” who ignored warning shots and were approaching their lines.
“Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,” said a GHF spokesperson.
Ahead of the UN Security Council vote, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher again appealed for the UN and aid groups to be allowed to assist people in Gaza, stressing that they have a plan, supplies and experience.
“Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials,” Fletcher said in a statement.
The United Nations Secretary General named Major General Diodato Abagnara yesterday as head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Abagnara is succeeding Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, according to a UNIFIL statement.
BBC rejects incorrect White House claims on Gaza coverage
The BBC has rejected incorrect White House criticism of its Gaza coverage, describing a claim that it had taken down a story as “completely wrong”.
At Tuesday’s White House briefing President Trump’s Press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the BBC of taking “the word of Hamas” when reporting on the number of people killed in a shooting near an aid distribution site on Sunday.
She also claimed, wrongly, that the BBC had retracted a story.
“The claim the BBC took down a story after reviewing footage is completely wrong. We did not remove any story and we stand by our journalism,” the BBC said in a statement.
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