Fourth U.S. Veto Endorses Genocide in Gaza, ICC Arrest Warrants Shake Israeli Leadership

A horrific genocide and a starvation campaign unlike any other in modern history is what the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank have endured for the past year. Nearly 60,000 Palestinians, including those missing, have been martyred, with more than 100,000 others injured. The relentless destruction of homes and infrastructure has pushed Gaza’s population of 2.5 million to the edge of famine, leaving tens of thousands of children fighting malnutrition and polio.

Despite these grave atrocities, global and Arab consciences remain largely silent, while Washington continues to shield Israel by using its veto power to block UN Security Council resolutions aimed at halting the violence and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.

U.S. Blocks Ceasefire Under Pretext of Israeli Demands

The United States wielded its veto power to obstruct a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Justifying its decision, Washington claimed the resolution did not sufficiently link the ceasefire to the release of Israeli captives. By doing so, the U.S. granted the Israeli entity a political cover and extended the timeframe for its ongoing genocide.

This marks the fourth time the U.S. has used its veto to block a ceasefire resolution since the assault on Gaza began. Most recently, the U.S. proposed its own resolution, which was vetoed by Russia and China due to its implicit support for continued Israeli aggression, including the invasion of Rafah. Russia’s permanent UN representative criticized the resolution, stating it enabled Israel’s impunity and escalated its actions in Gaza.

Historically, the United States has repeatedly used its veto power to shield the Israeli entity from international accountability. Since the UN Security Council’s establishment in 1945, the U.S. has cast over 114 vetoes, with the majority favoring Israel. These vetoes have blocked resolutions condemning Israeli crimes against Palestinians or supporting Palestinian rights to reclaim their land and protect their sacred sites.

Unwavering U.S. Military and Financial Support

Alongside diplomatic protection, the U.S. has provided the Israeli entity with vast financial and military aid. The Watson Institute reports that U.S. military assistance to Israel reached $40 billion in a single year. This includes a $5.2 billion deal with Boeing for 25 F-15IA fighter jets, exceeding the U.S.’s annual aid budget to the Israeli entity by $1.4 billion.

Under the influence of the pro-Israel lobby, this support is expected to increase during the tenure of President-elect Donald Trump. This unwavering commitment reflects a consistent U.S. policy aimed at empowering Israel to dominate the region and exploit its resources.

ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant

In a historic development that rattled Zionist leaders and their U.S. allies, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for the adversary’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and  Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants charge them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war, murder, persecution, and other inhumane crimes.

Although the warrants do not cover all Israeli officials implicated in these crimes, they represent a significant step toward restoring justice and defending humanity. Evidence of genocide in Gaza is overwhelming, despite attempts by the Israeli entity and the U.S. to dismiss it as anti-Semitic rhetoric or intimidate the ICC and its judges. Many nations have welcomed the ICC’s decision, pledging to enforce the arrest warrants, which could restrict the movements of the accused and instill fear within their ranks.

Measured Optimism for Global Justice

While the ICC decision is a pivotal moment, optimism must be tempered. Decades of Israeli aggression against Palestinians, coupled with ongoing U.S. support, suggest that justice remains elusive. A meaningful shift requires distinguishing between victim and perpetrator. Equating the two undermines the credibility of the ICC and reveals the continued impact of U.S. pressure and threats.

The ICC warrants may be a step toward accountability, but achieving justice for Palestinians will demand unwavering international resolve to counter American and Israeli efforts to deflect responsibility and obscure their crimes.