The Biden administration has vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that was aimed at condemning Israel. The resolution, sponsored by 10 non-permanent members of the council, received a 14-1 vote in favor but was not adopted due to the U.S. veto.
Ambassador Robert A. Wood strongly criticized the resolution, stating that it favored the U.S.-designated terrorist group, Hamas, over the release of more than 100 hostages, including seven Americans held by the organization in Gaza. Wood accused some council members of seeking a 'cynical' outcome and criticized the demand for an 'unconditional cease-fire' with Hamas, which he argued would embolden the terrorist group.
The resolution, overseen by Algeria, called for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Israel but did not address the release of hostages. Wood emphasized that Hamas has consistently rejected negotiation deals and instigated the conflict with Israel.
French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière expressed regret over the resolution not being adopted, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate cease-fire to address the worsening conditions.
Senator Ted Cruz warned of further assaults on Israel at the UN, aiming to undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress. Cruz vowed to work with colleagues to counter such measures, including reevaluating the U.S. relationship with the UN and Palestinians, cutting aid, imposing sanctions, and countering entities supporting anti-Israel resolutions.
