US again vetoes UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call

The United States vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on Thursday that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid deliveries and allow humanitarian access to the besieged Palestinian territory.

The draft was presented by the 10 elected members of the 15-member Security Council. It gained 14 votes in favor, but the US veto blocked its adoption. This was the sixth American veto on Gaza-related resolutions since the war began nearly two years ago.

Resolution Details

The resolution also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Supporters argued that the ongoing war had created a humanitarian disaster that could no longer be ignored.

Denmark’s UN Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen addressed the council before the vote. She said:
“Famine has been confirmed in Gaza – not projected, not declared, confirmed. Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening civilian suffering. This is a catastrophic humanitarian failure, and that is why we acted today.”

Gaza Facing Confirmed Famine

A global hunger monitor confirmed last month that Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine, with risks of it spreading further. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for unrestricted aid, warning that millions are at risk.

US Defends Israel at the UN

The US has traditionally shielded Israel from criticism at the United Nations. While Washington briefly supported a council statement last week condemning strikes on Qatar, Thursday’s veto showed the US remains firmly aligned with Israel.

US diplomat Morgan Ortagus said before the vote:
“Hamas is responsible for starting and continuing this war. Israel has already accepted terms that could end it. But Hamas refuses. This war could end today if Hamas freed the hostages and laid down arms.”

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon admitted Israel was unhappy with the Security Council statement on Qatar but stressed that US-Israel cooperation remained strong. He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would address the UN General Assembly next week before meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington on September 29.

Ongoing War and Rising Death Toll

The war began after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Since then, over 64,000 Palestinians – mostly civilians – have been killed, according to local health authorities in Gaza.

The UN Security Council will hold another high-level meeting on Gaza next Tuesday, during the UN General Assembly in New York.