The United States is the only country to veto Brazil’s UN war resolution
This Wednesday (18), Brazil received 12 votes in the UN Security Council, but the United States vetoed the Brazilian proposal that, among other things, called for the creation of a humanitarian aid corridor for Gaza.
They were 12 votes for it, in addition to Brazil: France, Malta, Japan, Ghana, Gabon, Switzerland, Mozambique, Ecuador, China, Albania and the United Arab Emirates. Two abstentions from Great Britain and Russia only one against: from the USA. The five permanent members of the Council have veto power, including the Americans.
After the result, Brazil’s UN ambassador Sergio Danese read a document. He said that he had made every effort to accommodate different and even opposing positions and that the focus had been on the critical humanitarian situation in the region, stating:
“Once again there was silence and inaction.”
1 of 1 Brazilian UN Ambassador, Sergio Danese Photo: JN Brazilian UN Ambassador, Sergio Danese Photo: JN
US Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield said the United States was disappointed that the resolution did not clearly mention Israel’s right to defend itself. He said the country was relying on diplomacy and that President Joe Biden was in Israel to ensure the release of hostages, prevent the conflict from spreading and reinforce the need to protect civilians.
The proposal put forward by Brazil defended points such as the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages, the protection of civilians and infrastructure such as electricity, water, fuel, food and medicine , the creation of a humanitarian corridor and the safe exit of civilians and protection of the humanitarian aid workers, and more: It condemned all forms of violence against civilians, including terrorist attacks by Hamas. But it made no mention of Israel’s right to defend itself as the Americans wanted.
China praised the proposal. He said the Brazilian project reflected the common appeal of the international community and could represent the Council’s first steps towards establishing a ceasefire.
France also praised and thanked Brazil for the initiative and its coordinating role.
After the vote, the Security Council remained in session to discuss the hospital explosion in Gaza. The emergency meeting was called by Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
The UN special envoy for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, said that the authorship of the explosion in the Gaza hospital must be clarified. In a video conference he warned of the danger of the conflict expanding.
The United Nations’ permanent observer for Palestine, Riyad Mansour, said council members were talking about protecting civilians and many were still unable to call for an immediate ceasefire.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said it was incredible that the council had failed to reach a consensus condemning the Hamas attacks.
After the meeting, Sergio Danese said Brazil was satisfied with the work done but dissatisfied that it could not agree to the resolution.
“I think the veto shows that the council is not doing its job, which is to keep the peace and ensure security wherever it is threatened,” he said.