Algeria's text received favorable votes from 13 countries, with the United Kingdom abstaining. North American diplomacy says it is preparing an alternative plan that calls for a temporary ceasefire, the release of hostages and condemnation of Hamas.
For the third time, the US has vetoed a United Nations (UN) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Of the 15 countries on the Security Council, 13 voted in favour, with the UK abstaining.
Washington justified the decision with fears that the resolution could interfere with ongoing efforts to halt the conflict for at least six weeks and free all hostages.
Algeria's text called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire, to be respected by all parties”, for the immediate release of all hostages and reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of civilians as defined by international law.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, argued that the proposed plan would not bring lasting peace and would prolong the hostage-taking and humanitarian crisis.
The United States should present an alternative proposal, one based on a temporary ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a condemnation of Hamas. If confirmed, the country would support the first-ever temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
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