Criticism Mounts: US Veto on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict

The United States faces heavy criticism for its third veto of the United Nations resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, despite escalating death tolls. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the conflict has resulted in 29,300 deaths and approximately 69,300 injuries, with the Israeli military reporting 237 fatalities.

China's United Nations Representative Zhang Jun condemned the veto, emphasizing the moral imperative of approving the ceasefire. Zhang criticized the US veto, asserting it exacerbates the perilous situation in Gaza and effectively condones ongoing violence. France and Qatar also expressed disappointment, with French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière highlighting the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al expressing concern over recent setbacks in negotiations.

Efforts to negotiate a hostage release between Israel and Hamas are underway, with White House Middle East envoy Brett McGurk in Cairo to facilitate talks. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on achieving a total victory over Hamas before considering international demands.

Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza worsen as the conflict persists. The World Food Program has suspended food deliveries due to attacks on drivers, exacerbating the region's imminent famine and rising child mortality rates due to malnutrition and illness.

The United States aims for a ceasefire by the end of next month, notwithstanding Israel's threat to assault Rafah if a deal isn't reached. The question remains whether the US will eventually endorse the ceasefire or if the conflict will escalate further.