The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Thursday demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted aid deliveries. All 14 other council members supported the draft, which described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic and urged Israel to lift its blockade.
This marks Washington’s sixth veto since the war began in October 2023, reinforcing its unconditional backing of Israel despite mounting global outrage.
US Defends Its Veto
However, Morgan Ortagus, a senior US policy adviser, said the resolution ignored American warnings, arguing that it failed to condemn Hamas, misrepresented Israel’s right to self-defense, and legitimized “false narratives” benefiting Palestinian groups. Consequently, the veto comes days before the UN General Assembly meets in New York, where Gaza and Palestinian statehood will dominate the agenda.
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed at least 65,000 people and injured more than 165,000 since October 2023. The war has destroyed much of the enclave and forced over one million Palestinians from their homes.
Moreover, the UN declared famine in Gaza in August, the first in the Middle East, blaming Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid.
Global Reaction and Growing Pressure
Algeria, a resolution sponsor, voiced dismay at the US veto and apologized to Palestinians for failing to halt the carnage. Algeria’s UN envoy, Amar Bendjama, said 14 Security Council members “raised their voice with conscience and in line with global opinion.”
The UN Security Council vote and US veto coincide with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza City, aimed at displacing 1.2 million Palestinians. This assault has drawn widespread condemnation, although it receives unwavering support from the Trump administration. Recently, a UN Human Rights Council report concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, urging the international community to intervene.
Last week, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to recognize a Palestinian state. Notably, a recent survey revealed that nearly half of Americans believe Israel’s military response in Gaza has “gone too far,” an increase from 40% in November 2023.
