"US Blocks Sixth UN Bid for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Escalating Violence"

US Vetoes Sixth UN Call for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Escalating Violence The United States has vetoed a sixth draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The move has sparked international criticism, with many accusing the US of isolating itself on the global stage amidst escalating violence in the region. According to the UN's humanitarian office, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "catastrophic," with aid restrictions exacerbating the crisis. The draft resolution, which was supported by all 14 other members of the Security Council, described the situation as such and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions. However, US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said that the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognising Israel's right to defend itself. The veto marks the sixth time the US has blocked a UN call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The previous vetoes were cast on April 5, April 14, May 11, June 1, and July 17. This latest move comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with both sides trading blows and civilians caught in the crossfire. The US has consistently argued that a ceasefire resolution must be balanced and not unfairly condemn one side or the other. However, critics argue that this approach is misguided and only serves to prolong the suffering of innocent civilians. "This veto is a slap in the face to the international community," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Mission to the UN. "The US is isolating itself on the global stage by refusing to take action to stop the violence." According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since May, with thousands more injured or displaced. The humanitarian situation is dire, with many civilians struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The US has maintained that it supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has provided significant aid to both Israel and the Palestinians in recent years. However, critics argue that this support is not enough and that the US must take more concrete action to address the humanitarian crisis. As the violence continues to escalate, many are left wondering what the next steps will be. The UN Security Council is expected to meet again soon to discuss the situation, but it remains unclear whether a ceasefire resolution will be put forward. In the meantime, civilians in Gaza continue to suffer, and the international community waits with bated breath for a resolution to this long-standing conflict. Attribution: BBC World: "Israel-Gaza: US vetoes UN call for ceasefire for sixth time" BBC World: "US Vetoes Sixth UN Call for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Escalating Violence" This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.