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US Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
The United States once again vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a Security Council vote on Thursday.
The 15-member Council held its 10,000th meeting against the backdrop of famine and an ongoing Israeli offensive to seize full control of Gaza City. The resolution also demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas and urged Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to ensure safe distribution, particularly by UN agencies and partners.
US representative Morgan Ortagus said Washington’s opposition “will come as no surprise,” as the resolution does not condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to self-defense. She added it “legitimizes false narratives benefiting Hamas” and “returns to a failed system allowing Hamas to strengthen itself at civilians’ expense.”
The draft was submitted by the 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Danish Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen said, “Even though this resolution was not adopted, 14 members sent a clear message: we want an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and urgent lifting of humanitarian aid restrictions.”
The Gaza war began on 7 October 2023 after Hamas and other Palestinian militants attacked Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, 48 of whom remain captive. Since then, the US has vetoed four other ceasefire resolutions. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities.
South Korea currently holds the rotating Security Council presidency. The Council, one of the UN’s six main organs, has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US – hold veto power, granted due to their foundational role in establishing the UN 80 years ago.