U.S. Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire: Hunger Strike Enters Week 3
- The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, drawing criticism from Palestinian officials adn prompting intensified protests.
- ambassador to the U.N., stated that the resolution would undermine Israel's right to self-defense and embolden Hamas.
- In response to the veto, a group of veterans and allies have entered their third week of a "Fast for Gaza" outside the U.N.
The U.S. has vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, sparking outrage and pushing activists into their third week of a “fast for Gaza” hunger strike. The primary_keyword, ceasefire, remains elusive as the secondary_keyword, international law, is debated. U.S. officials defend the veto, while Palestinian representatives decry the decision. Protesters demand an end to U.S.weapon shipments to Israel alongside an end to the violence. News Directory 3 provides on-the-ground insights into the crisis. Veteran organizers and peace advocates are urging global leaders to employ the “Uniting for Peace” mechanism, effectively bypassing the U.S.veto. Discover what’s next as the fight for peace in Gaza continues.
U.S. Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution; Hunger Strike Intensifies
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, drawing criticism from Palestinian officials adn prompting intensified protests.
Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. ambassador to the U.N., stated that the resolution would undermine Israel’s right to self-defense and embolden Hamas. Riyad Mansour,palestinian U.N. Ambassador, expressed disappointment, saying the resolution reflected minimal demands of humanity.
In response to the veto, a group of veterans and allies have entered their third week of a “Fast for Gaza” outside the U.N. Lt. Joy Metzler, a U.S. Air Force officer who applied for conscientious objector status,said the U.S. is violating international law. Metzler stated she joined the military to uphold justice but now believes the U.S. military is a destabilizing force.
Mike Ferner, former president of Veterans for peace and a “Fast for Gaza” organizer, recounted his experiences during the American War in Vietnam, stating the horrors of war have stayed wiht him. He expressed understanding for Aaron Bushnell’s actions and a desire to stop the ongoing violence.
Kathy kelly, board president of World Beyond War, is also participating in the hunger strike. She emphasized the need for global leaders to act, urging the use of the ”Uniting for Peace” mechanism to bypass the U.S. veto. Kelly also called for economic measures to pressure Israel and highlighted the country’s flaunting of international law, including its possession of nuclear weapons.
“We want to take what action we can to encourage, to focus world attention, because the leaders of the world now have an possibility…to press forward beyond yesterday’s very, very unfortunate vote,” Kelly said.
Kelly noted the potential for a two-state solution conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia but questioned whether it would truly recognize Palestinian rights.
The fasters are calling for a permanent ceasefire, the unrestricted distribution of aid by the United Nations, and an end to U.S. weapon shipments to Israel. According to Kelly, 750 people worldwide are participating in the fast.
What’s next
Activists plan to continue their hunger strike and advocacy efforts, urging the international community to take concrete action to address the situation in Gaza and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights. The “Uniting for Peace” resolution remains a key focus of their efforts.