Biden Criticizes Israeli Actions as UN Votes 153-10 for Ceasefire in Gaza — U.S. Increasingly Isolated
In a significant shift from his previous unwavering support, President Joe Biden has openly criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, stating that the country is beginning to lose global support due to its "indiscriminate bombing." Speaking at a fundraising event, Biden emphasized the need for Israel to reconsider its approach, cautioning that the current trajectory risks losing international backing. The comments marked the sharpest public criticism of Israel by the Biden administration since the October 7 Hamas attack.
Biden's Warning: 'They're Starting to Lose That Support'
While affirming that Israel can rely on U.S. support for its security, Biden warned, "They're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place." This marks a departure from the consistent backing Israel received from the U.S. since the onset of the conflict with Hamas on October 7. Despite the critique, Biden reiterated that there is no question about the necessity to confront Hamas, emphasizing Israel's right to do so. The President's remarks align with growing pressure within his own Democratic Party to temper Israel's military campaign and prioritize civilian safety. Polling shows that a majority of Democrats now support conditioning aid to Israel.
Netanyahu's Defiant Response
Israel, however, remains defiant. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to Biden's comments, asserted that Israel has the "full backing" of the U.S. for its ground war and the goal of dismantling Hamas while recovering hostages. He added that Washington has resisted "international pressure to stop the war." Netanyahu also addressed his disagreements with Biden, with the President urging the Israeli Prime Minister to "change" both his government and his stance on a two-state solution. The President argued that the current Israeli government, considered the most conservative in the country's history, hinders progress toward a peaceful resolution.
UN General Assembly: A Resounding Call for Ceasefire
As tensions escalate, the United States finds itself increasingly isolated in its support for Israel. In a resounding vote at the UN General Assembly, 153 member states backed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Only 10 countries, including the U.S., Israel, and Austria, voted against the resolution, while 23, including the UK and Germany, abstained. The vote reflects the overwhelming international consensus that the war must end, isolating the United States along with Israel. The resolution also demanded the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
Humanitarian Toll: Over 18,000 Dead
The international consensus for a ceasefire underscores the urgent need to halt Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in over 18,000 Palestinian casualties as of December 13, with reports indicating that up to 70% of the fatalities are women and children. The UN has described Gaza as "uninhabitable," with 85% of the population displaced and hunger and disease spreading rapidly. The World Health Organization has warned that the healthcare system has collapsed, with most hospitals no longer functioning.
U.S. Balancing Act: Support for Israel vs. Civilian Concerns
The U.S. delegation faced a challenging task of balancing support for Israel with concern for Palestinian civilians during the UN vote. The adopted resolution expressed "grave concern" over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the immediate release of hostages and protection for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians under international law. The U.S. has vetoed three previous Security Council resolutions on Gaza, but the General Assembly vote carries moral and political weight even if non-binding. The Biden administration is now under increasing pressure to change its approach as the death toll mounts.
Two-State Solution: A Fractured Path Forward
Biden's comments also touched on the broader political horizon, calling for a revival of the two-state solution — which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, Netanyahu's government has rejected Palestinian statehood, and the political divide between Washington and Jerusalem has rarely been wider. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has continued to engage in shuttle diplomacy, but no breakthrough appears imminent. The war has also derailed normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a key foreign policy priority for the Biden administration.
As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution that prioritizes human lives and brings an end to the devastating violence in the region. The evolving dynamics highlight the delicate balance the Biden administration must navigate to address both domestic and international expectations. The 153-10 UN vote sends an unmistakable message: the world wants this war to end — and the United States is increasingly standing alone in its opposition to a ceasefire.
Related Coverage: For ongoing updates on the Gaza war and US-Israel relations, visit our Middle East Breaking News page and Israel-Gaza War Hub.
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