US opposes UN resolution calling on Israel-Gaza cease-fire

The U.S. has opposed a United Nations resolution that calls for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, saying it would interfere with efforts by the Biden administration to de-escalate the situation.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press “we’ve been clear and consistent that we are focused on intensive diplomatic efforts under way to bring an end to the violence and that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.”

The resolution was drafted by France, according to the AP.

The U.S. had previously blocked at least four attempts to issue a press statement calling for a cease-fire, the AP noted.

It requires nine votes as opposed to press statements, which require 15 members. 

According to Reuters, the U.N. sought to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and condemn “the indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian areas.” The resolution also urged protection of civilians and reviving the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

The U.S. has condemned the violence in Gaza. President Biden has expressed support for a cease-fire.

Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu four times since May 10. In the most recent call Wednesday, Biden said he expects “significant de-escalation” of violence, and hopes to put the two sides “on the path to a cease-fire.”

But after the call, Netanyahu said he is “determined to continue” military operations against Hamas, adding “I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.”

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said Wednesday that 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children, 38 women and 17 elderly people. Another 1,620 have been injured.

Mark Lowcock, the U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and an emergency relief coordinator, said in a statement on Tuesday that hostilities have displaced more than 58,000 Palestinians.