Dr. Ashrawi: The American veto is a sign of moral bankruptcy
In response to questions regarding the recent UN Security Council vote, PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi
issued the following statement:
"We express our appreciation to the UN Security Council Members who respected their legal and moral obligations and
voted in favor of the UNSC resolution which called for the protection of the Palestinian people and accountability for
Israel's violations.
By postponing the vote and presenting their own ‘alternative’ resolution that is a total falsehood and a distortion of
reality, the United States and its Ambassador Nikki Haley have once again demonstrated their blind loyalty to Israel and
tried to absolve it of any wrongdoing despite its egregious violations, deliberate massacres and willful killings and
war crimes. With its veto, the United States is once again attempting to justify the lawlessness and cruelty of Israel’s
military occupation, while providing Israel with legal and political cover to pursue its assault on the Palestinian
people and on international law and international humanitarian law. This, in fact, is a morally bankrupt policy and
another blow to the credibility and integrity of the international community as represented by the UN.
It is regrettable that the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, and Ethiopia succumbed to American pressure and abstained on
such a basic and justified resolution that lies at the heart of the mandate and responsibilities of the UN.
It is thus of particular urgency that the international community act quickly to prevent further violence against
innocent civilians and end the occupation that deliberately targets the Palestinians. It is the responsibility of the
world to provide protection for the people of Palestine and not to find excuses for the occupation and the aggressor;
this is where the international community is facing its real test.”