UK backs UN resolution for immediate ceasefire in Israel-Gaza conflict

The United Kingdom has voted in favour of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.

The UK delegation cited the need for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as reasons for its vote.  

Ambassador Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said: “The United Kingdom voted for this resolution as an expression of our determination to end this war, stop the suffering in Gaza, and secure the immediate release of the hostages.”

Woodward said that the amount of aid going into Gaza was insufficient and could not mitigate the crisis.

“The deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and unacceptable. All of Gaza is at risk of famine, and in some areas, this is likely to be imminent. Yet the aid reaching civilians remains entirely insufficient to mitigate this unfolding disaster,” she said.

The resolution was blocked by the United States, marking the fourth time the US has used its veto during the conflict to shield Israel.

The US argued that the resolution failed to adequately link a ceasefire with the release of hostages.

Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood emphasised that the immediate release of hostages was essential in any resolution.

The veto prompted reactions from other UN members. France, which voted in favour of the resolution, expressed regret over the veto and condemned the lack of progress toward a ceasefire.

China's Ambassador raised concerns over the value of Palestinian lives, and Human Rights Watch criticised the US for allowing Israel to act with “impunity.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, defended the US veto, describing the resolution as a “roadmap to more terror” rather than a step towards peace. He argued that a ceasefire would reward Hamas and embolden the militant group to continue its attacks.

In response to the veto, Ambassador Woodward reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the resolution's goals, despite the setback.

She stated that the UK would continue to work with international partners to bring the war to an end, secure the release of hostages, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“We regret that the Council was unable to reach a consensus on this issue. But colleagues, we remain committed to the vision of this text. And we will keep striving, alongside our partners, to bring this war to a close,” she said.