The US has exercised its veto power against a UN Security Council resolution that aimed for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza, despite unanimous support from other member states.
US Rejects UN Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
US Rejects UN Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
US Ambassador argues resolution undermines diplomatic efforts in ongoing conflict.
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution that sought to establish an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. While all 14 other members of the council voted in favor of the resolution, US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, argued that it would "undermine diplomatic efforts" to achieve a ceasefire. She criticized the resolution for not designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, a classification that the US, UK, and EU uphold. Shea emphasized, “We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza.”
The veto comes amid escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza, where the UN warns more than two million individuals face starvation following an 11-week total ban on food and aid shipments from Israel. Recently, distribution efforts have shifted to The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by the United States and Israel, which is taking over roles traditionally held by UN agencies that have faced criticism and setbacks.
UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed her support for the resolution, stating the “intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end.” She urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. Since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023—which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and hostage-taking—over 54,000 lives have been reported lost in Gaza, with the territory's health ministry indicating at least 4,201 casualties since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18.
The veto comes amid escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza, where the UN warns more than two million individuals face starvation following an 11-week total ban on food and aid shipments from Israel. Recently, distribution efforts have shifted to The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by the United States and Israel, which is taking over roles traditionally held by UN agencies that have faced criticism and setbacks.
UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed her support for the resolution, stating the “intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end.” She urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. Since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023—which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and hostage-taking—over 54,000 lives have been reported lost in Gaza, with the territory's health ministry indicating at least 4,201 casualties since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18.
