Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the United States' decision to, for the second time, veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
This decision comes as Israel continues its military offensive, resulting in the death and displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians, as per HuffPost.
US Approves Emergency Arms Sale to Israel
The cease-fire resolution was introduced during an emergency meeting on Friday, triggered by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking an article addressing threats to international peace and security. Blinken, appearing on CNN's "State of the Union," emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
"I think the intent is there, but the results are not always manifesting themselves," Blinken commented on Israel's actions during the interview.
The US was the sole vote against the Security Council resolution on Friday, with Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, criticizing it as "imbalanced." Wood also faulted the Security Council for not condemning Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, which claimed lives and prompted a significant military response.
Despite the escalating crisis, the White House approved an emergency sale of tank ammunition worth over $106 million to Israel as the country faces increased attacks in southern Gaza. Blinken defended the decision, citing Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7 attack.
Former US Ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk, took an unusual stance by branding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "clear and present danger" to his country. This came in response to a New York Times report alleging Netanyahu's encouragement of billions in payments from Qatar to support Hamas, an accusation the prime minister denies, according to Daily News.
Blinken Urges Swift Action on Aid
As billions of dollars in US aid to Israel and other countries remain stalled in Congress, Blinken urged lawmakers to act, emphasizing the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
President Biden, seeking a $106 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and other causes, has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Tuesday. The meeting aims to underscore the US' commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the World Food Program noting that nine out of 10 people in the region are unable to eat daily. Israel's military offensive persists, targeting over 250 locations in the past 24 hours, according to the Israeli military.
Blinken, in an interview on ABC's "This Week," acknowledged the gap between intent and results in the conflict. He emphasized the need for Israel to determine the end of its attack while also urging Hamas to cease its attacks on Israel and release remaining hostages.
The US emergency sale of ammunition to Israel, bypassing congressional review, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over foreign military sales. The decision reflects the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's security amid the escalating crisis, Big News Network reported.
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