International Tensions Rise as U.S. and Russia Clash over Israel-Gaza Conflict at UN Security Council

The U.N. Security Council failed to reach a consensus on stopping the violence in the Israel-Gaza conflict, as the United States and Russia vetoed each other's resolutions. The U.S. resolution called for humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza, while Russia called for a complete cease-fire. The U.S. is increasingly isolated in rejecting a cease-fire, with support for it from the U.N. Secretary General, Arab states, and much of the world. The U.S. resolution was vetoed by Russia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, while Brazil and Mozambique abstained. The U.S. resolution included changes from its previous position, reaffirming the right to self-defense without mentioning Israel. The Biden administration has been urging Israel to abide by international rules of war and support humanitarian pauses. The situation in Gaza is dire, with limited supplies of food, medicine, fuel, and water. The World Food Program estimates that essential food supplies will last for about 12 more days. Jordan has called for an emergency meeting of the General Assembly to consider a joint Arab resolution for an immediate cease-fire.