Letters

The US and the UN resolution

Reaction to the US and its veto of a UN Security Council resolution

Tue Dec 12 2023 - 00:55

Sir, – In a rejection of humanitarian principles and values, the US on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Britain, another unbending supporter of Israel, abstained.

It was a commendable initiative by the UN secretary general, who pointed to the worsening and catastrophic situation in Gaza, and the resolution had the support of the rest of the Security Council. It would have put enormous pressure on Israel to stop the destruction and killing.

In that context, the use of the veto by the US is deplorable and will undoubtedly encourage Binyamin Netanyahu to continue this war until Gaza is thoroughly flattened and its population pushed to the Egyptian border.

The US is in a position to exert real pressure on Israel for a ceasefire, but it shows absolutely no inclination to do so.

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Indeed, it is a co-partner in this war, which will be an enduring stain on Joe Biden’s presidency. It has supplied the bombs and backed this with full-throated support for Israel, no matter how many civilians die in Gaza.

Also, the US deployment of its veto reminds us that deep structural reform is needed within the UN.

The Government here should be arguing for such reform and not distancing Ireland from the UN by tinkering with the “triple lock” on military deployment abroad. – Yours, etc,

FINTAN LANE,

Lucan,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – “I’m Irish,” president Joe Biden famously quipped to a BBC reporter during the presidential campaign in 2020.

Ireland must put increased pressure on president Biden to live up to what it means to be Irish by demanding what Irish people and its Government are calling for – a ceasefire in Gaza. – Yours, etc,

CHRIS FITZPATRICK,

Dublin 6.

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