Amnesty criticizes US veto of UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

Amnesty criticizes US veto of UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

Amnesty International has condemned the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. The resolution, aimed at alleviating the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, was blocked by the US, drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations.

Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, described the veto as “shameful” and accused the US of enabling further suffering by allowing Israel to continue its military operations. She stated that the veto effectively gives Israel the green light to perpetuate actions that Amnesty views as contributing to the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Callamard expressed alarm over the dire humanitarian conditions in the enclave, highlighting widespread malnutrition and restricted access to essential supplies. She emphasized that families are struggling to obtain food, mothers are too weak to breastfeed, and civilians are being deprived of vital medical aid. “The lives of more than 2 million Palestinians are at stake,” she said.

The statement stressed that as the occupying power, Israel is bound by international law to ensure civilians have access to food, medicine, and other necessities. Amnesty accused Israel of failing in this obligation and called on all states, including the US, to uphold their duty to prevent genocide and protect civilians.

The organization also criticized the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a US-supported initiative to coordinate aid deliveries — arguing it fails to meet international humanitarian standards. Amnesty cited recent incidents where dozens of Palestinians were killed or injured while attempting to reach aid, saying the system is dangerous and ineffective.

Amnesty urged the US to halt arms transfers to Israel, press for the lifting of all aid restrictions, and push for an immediate ceasefire. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since October 2023, with the majority being women and children.