New York — U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, defended the U.S.’s use of the veto power in the U.N. Security Council during the ongoing Gaza war, stating it is to advance American government interests. Despite vetoing five resolutions related to Gaza and Palestine, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the necessity of using available tools to ensure U.S. priorities are met.
During a press conference ahead of the General Assembly meetings, she also criticized Russia’s veto actions concerning the war in Ukraine. When questioned about U.S. military support for Israel and the need to end the conflict, Thomas-Greenfield expressed a desire for peace while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
Discussing the ICJ ruling on Palestine and the Israeli occupation, Thomas-Greenfield noted the U.S.’s engagement with the ICJ despite some disagreements. The General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution to implement steps based on the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation, emphasizing the urgency of ending the occupation within twelve months.
While acknowledging the ICJ’s ruling, Thomas-Greenfield raised concerns about the Palestinian draft resolution, suggesting it may hinder progress towards a two-state solution. As the deliberations continue, the diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflicts and advance peace remain at the forefront of the discussions at the U.N.