US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
The United States vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Fourteen of the 15 council members supported the resolution. The US action drew widespread criticism, with China calling it an abuse of veto power that dims hope for Gazans. The resolution also called for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and lifting all aid restrictions.
Unpacked:
The United States vetoed the resolution because it believed the draft was counterproductive, as it did not link the ceasefire to the release of hostages, did not condemn Hamas’s attack on Israel, and failed to call for Hamas’s disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza. The US argued that the resolution could embolden Hamas rather than promote peace.
The US has used its veto power 89 times since 1945, with over half of these vetoes (around 45) used to block resolutions critical of Israel. Since 2001 alone, the US has vetoed 14 times in support of Israel, making this a consistent part of its diplomatic approach at the UN.
The draft resolution demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian aid access, the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the lifting of all aid restrictions to ensure humanitarian relief.
The US veto drew widespread criticism internationally. China condemned the veto as an abuse of power that diminishes hope for Gazans. Most Security Council members supported the resolution, indicating broad international backing for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, highlighting the US veto as a significant point of contention.