The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
This is after the resolution’s failure to tie a truce to the release of hostages held by Hamas and its lack of condemnation for the group’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
The resolution, backed by the 14 other members of the 15-nation council, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called for an end to restrictions on aid deliveries to the enclave’s 2.1 million people.
Despite overwhelming support, the U.S. used its veto power to block the measure, marking the second time it has done so in recent months.
Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea argued the resolution would undermine Israel’s security and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“This resolution fails to reflect the complex realities on the ground,” she told the council. “It risks emboldening Hamas while weakening negotiations for a sustainable ceasefire that ensures the release of all hostages.”
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the resolution’s backers would bring a similar version to the U.N. General Assembly next week, where no vetoes apply.
Pakistan’s envoy condemned the U.S. decision, calling it a “green light for continued annihilation.”
The veto comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Over 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’s deadly incursion into southern Israel last October, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others.
Humanitarian aid remains a flashpoint. The U.N. has rejected a new Israeli- and U.S.-backed distribution system, calling it inadequate and politicized, and is demanding full restoration of essential services and access.
The war, now in its 20th month, continues with no clear end in sight.
