The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This marks the fifth time the US has blocked such a measure since the war began in October 2023.
The vote occurred during the Security Council’s historic 10,000th meeting. It proceeded against a dire backdrop of spreading famine in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Details of the Vetoed Ceasefire Resolution
The resolution, drafted by ten non-permanent Council members, demanded a permanent halt to hostilities. It also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Furthermore, the text insisted Israel lift all barriers to humanitarian aid. It mandated the safe distribution of supplies by UN agencies throughout Gaza.
The US veto Gaza ceasefire decision was the sole vote against the measure. Thirteen members voted in favor, while the United Kingdom abstained.
US Justification for the Veto
US representative Morgan Ortagus stated the opposition “will come as no surprise.” She argued the resolution failed to condemn Hamas’s initial October 7th attack.
Additionally, Ortagus claimed the text did not recognize Israel’s inherent right to self-defense. She said it “wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas.”
The US maintains that diplomacy should continue through other channels.
International Reaction to the Vote
Despite the failure to pass, most members saw the vote as sending a powerful message. Danish Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen spoke for the 14 other members.
“We want to see an immediate and lasting ceasefire,” Lassen stated. “We will continue to work for this for however many Council meetings it may take.”
The strong support highlights the growing international pressure for a cessation of violence. The conflict has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health authorities.
The Significance of the 10,000th Meeting
South Korea’s Ambassador Sangjin Kim presided over the landmark session. He noted the number was “significant, like the challenges that remain before us.”
The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Its five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—hold veto power.
This authority, granted 80 years ago, allows a single nation to block any resolution. The recent US veto Gaza ceasefire action exemplifies this powerful dynamic.
Ultimately, the meeting concluded without a binding resolution. The diplomatic deadlock continues as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further.
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