US vetoes UN resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution advocating for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, alongside the release of hostages.
The resolution, introduced by the council’s 10 non-permanent members, received broad support but was blocked by the US, citing its stance that a ceasefire must explicitly include the immediate release of hostages.
A senior US official explained, “We just can’t support an unconditional ceasefire that does not call for the immediate release of hostages.”
The US veto marks a divergence in approaches among Security Council members, with the US accusing some of prioritizing a veto confrontation over genuine compromise.
The war in Gaza, which has lasted 13 months, began following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages. Since then, nearly 44,000 people in Gaza have been killed, and almost the entire population has been displaced at least once.
Efforts to reach a compromise included Britain proposing an alternative language acceptable to the US, but this was rejected.
The US also accused Russia and China of influencing some non-permanent members of the council to push for stronger language, allegedly undermining genuine attempts at consensus.
The veto is a clear indication of deep divisions within the UN Security Council over how to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict, with calls for immediate action clashing with strategic and political priorities.
