Update(1535ET): The big controversy out of the UN Security Council on Wednesday is that the US vetoed a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes continue and ground forces are reportedly still staging for an invasion.
The draft resolution was proposed by Brazil and condemned "the terrorist attacks by Hamas," urged the release of hostages, while calling for a "humanitarian pause" or ceasefire. 12 members approved the draft Wednesday, the UK and Russia abstained, but the United States shot it down.
US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said she wanted US diplomacy to "play out" first, but also criticized the resolution text for not expressly upholding Israel's right to self defense. Thomas-Greenfield slammed this aspect, saying in her explanation before the council:
"Colleagues, the United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel’s right of self-defense. Like every nation in the world, Israel has the inherent right of self-defense, as reflected in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Following previous terrorist attacks by groups such as al-Qaida and ISIS, this Council reaffirmed that right. This text should have done the same."
In Tel Aviv, Biden was asked in follow-up to his speech earlier in the day why he is backing Israel's denial of being behind the hospital bombing. Biden responded that it was due to "the data I was shown by my Defense Department." And the White House national security spokesperson additionally issued the following statement:
Bloomberg, meanwhile at the conclusion of Biden's time in Tel Aviv issued the headline, Biden Fails to Calm Fears of Wider War in 7.5-Hour Visit
Now that Biden is flying out of Israel, that "imminent" ground invasion might take place after all. All eyes will also be on the northern border to see what Hezbollah does (and by extension Iran) in response.
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