The US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
NEW YORK: The United States has once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The vote took place on Thursday during the Council’s 10,000th meeting, held against the backdrop of deepening famine and Israel’s ongoing offensive to capture Gaza City.
The resolution called for an end to hostilities, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. It also emphasised that relief supplies must be safely delivered, particularly through UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
Despite broad international backing, Washington cast the lone negative vote, effectively blocking the measure. The US has consistently argued that ceasefire resolutions fail to address Israel’s right to defend itself, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from other Council members and humanitarian groups.
Thursday’s session marked a symbolic milestone for the Security Council, yet the deadlock over Gaza underscored how divided the international community remains on the conflict. With food shortages worsening and civilian casualties rising, aid agencies have warned that the humanitarian situation is reaching catastrophic levels.
The US veto highlights the deep fault lines within the UN’s most powerful body, as many nations push for urgent action while Washington continues to shield its ally, Israel. The humanitarian cost of the stalemate is expected to dominate upcoming debates at the UN General Assembly.
