US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Ceasefire and Aid Access in Gaza

In a significant development at the United Nations on Thursday, the United States exercised its veto power to block a Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The proposed resolution also urged Israel to remove all restrictions on humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory.

Drafted by the Security Council's 10 non-permanent members, the measure also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and associated groups. Although the resolution garnered overwhelming support with 14 votes in favor, the US veto prevented its adoption.

Denmark's UN Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen emphasized the urgency of the humanitarian situation, stating, "Famine has been confirmed in Gaza - not projected, not declared, confirmed. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians. It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure, that has compelled us to act today."

The US has consistently used its veto to shield Israel at the UN. Yet, in a rare departure last week, it supported a Security Council statement condemning recent strikes on Qatar, even though the text did not explicitly blame Israel. This move reportedly reflected US President Donald Trump's displeasure with an attack ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the veto on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's firm diplomatic backing of Israel.

US diplomat Morgan Ortagus highlighted that "Hamas is responsible for starting and continuing this war. Israel has accepted proposed terms that would end the war, but Hamas continues to reject them. This war could end today if Hamas freed the hostages and laid down its arms."

Meanwhile, Israel expressed dissatisfaction with the Security Council's statement on the Qatar strikes. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon acknowledged the criticism but praised the overall close cooperation with the United States, saying, "The level of cooperation with the US is so high that we were OK with that."

The conflict traces back to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. Since then, fatalities in Gaza have surpassed 64,000, primarily civilians, as reported by local health authorities.