The UN ceasefire resolution in Gaza: Joe Biden under attack from the entire political spectrum

Following the USA’s abstention from the UN Security Council vote today (Monday) and after not casting a veto, the political system is reacting to a move against Israel, when both within the Democratic Party and the Republican Party they came out against President Biden. Democratic Senator Joe Peterman tweeted: “Horrifying that the US did not veto a proposed resolution that does not condemn Hamas.”Former US Vice President Mike Pence attacked the US decision: “Israel must continue until the complete elimination of Hamas. It is a shame that the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire without mentioning Hamas or the October 7 attack . And the Biden administration let it pass without a veto. After the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Israel must be allowed to wage war until Hamas is destroyed once and for all. America stands with Israel,” Pence tweeted.

As mentioned, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and the immediate and unconditional release of all the abductees. 14 countries voted in favor of the decision. The United States did not use its veto power, and abstained from voting. The UN Security Council said after the vote that “there is an urgent need to increase aid to Gaza, and we demand that all obstacles to its transfer be removed.”

As you may recall, shortly before the UN Security Council vote on the proposed resolution, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear to the members of the Israeli delegation that “if the US does not veto a resolution for a ceasefire that is not conditional on the release of hostages – I will cancel the delegation’s departure to Washington.” Netanyahu did not call to inform President Biden about the cancellation of the Israeli delegation’s trip.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said: “The United States has withdrawn from its consistent position in the Security Council, where only a few days ago it linked a cease-fire to the release of the abductees. In the previous decision, China and Russia vetoed, in part, because they supported a cease-fire without the release of the abductees. The United States did not impose today A veto on the new wording that calls for a ceasefire without the condition of releasing the abductees is a clear retreat from the consistent position of the US in the Security Council since the beginning of the war.”

On the other hand, White House spokesman John Kirby clarified: “The fact that we did not veto the Security Council’s decision does not constitute a change in the US position. In light of the fact that we think that a ceasefire and the release of hostages come together – we decided to refrain. Defense Minister Gallant will meet today at the White House with National Security Adviser Sullivan and I have no doubt that in this meeting we will talk about the plans for the operation in Rafah. We are focusing on moving forward with the hostage deal and bringing aid to Gaza.”