Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says it was “shameful” of the United States’ government to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Said to be the “most famous progressive” in the House of Representatives, Cortez posted “Shameful” above an X message showing the US as the lone “no” vote at the Security Council.
Cortez said the administration of President Joe Biden “can no longer reconcile their professed concern for Palestinians and human rights while also single-handedly vetoing the UN’s call for ceasefire and sidestepping the entire US Congress to unconditionally back the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza.”
The United States vetoed the resolution on Friday. It would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and had been put forward by the United Arab Emirates and backed by more than 90 UN member states. 13 countries voted in favor. Britain abstained.
In a posting on X, Senator Bernie Sanders also denounced Washington for the veto. “At a time when Palestinians in Gaza are facing horrific conditions, the US should not be vetoing a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”
Sanders also underscored the fact that the kids in Gaza “need food, water, and medical supplies. We must do everything possible to make that happen NOW.”
Before the vote at the Council meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Gaza was at a “breaking point” with the humanitarian support system at risk of collapse.
Flagrant by nature
All that humanitarian activity at the United Nations was taking place as Israel – emboldened as always by its great benefactor Washington – was busy ramping up the bloody bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip.
According to the UN relief coordination office (OCHA), Israel attacked multiple health facilities and personnel across the Gaza Strip over the weekend.
Ahmed al-Kahlout, head of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, said the situation in the hospital is “extremely difficult” due to a severe shortage of water, food, and fuel. The troops of Israel targeted the women’s maternity unit “without prior warning or explanation,” he said.
Two mothers were killed along with their newborn babies, Kahlout said.
“No one can leave because of the threat of gunfire and snipers all around.”
Israel has killed more than 18,200 people in Gaza since October 7. Nearly 50,000 people have also been injured. Two-thirds of those killed are women and children.
