The U.S. abstained from the vote Friday — but did not block it — after an intense week of diplomacy led to a change in the wording.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said it was clear that Palestinian civilians were suffering and more could be done to get them humanitarian assistance.
“We know so much, so much more needs to be done to address this humanitarian crisis and to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace,” she said.
Thirteen countries voted for the resolution, while only Russia and the U.S. abstained. Russia had criticized removing language that would have condemned “indiscriminate attacks” on civilians.
“What signal does this send to the international community, that the security council is giving Israel a green light for war crimes?” said Russia’s UN representative Vasily Nebenzya.
Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia of hypocrisy on the issue, referencing the invasion of Ukraine.
The final text “deplores all attacks against civilians and civilian objects” and acts of terrorism, while calling for “urgent steps” on humanitarian access, and to “create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”
The U.S., a permanent member of the Security Council, has supported Israel by vetoing two other resolutions since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Israel is seeking to destroy Palestinian militant group Hamas for its deadly Oct. 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead, while another 240 were kidnapped.
Israeli forces are now fighting across the tiny coastal strip against Hamas. So far, more than 20,000 people have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, and basic necessities such as food and medical aid are in short supply.
Israel this week signaled willingness to wind down operations to a lower-intensity phase, but it’s not clear when that would happen.
The U.S. has pushed its ally to lower the intensity and called for more humanitarian aid as civilian casualties mount.
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