The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, supported by 14 of the 15 council members, also demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza. This marks the sixth time the U.S. has used its veto power on similar resolutions since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict nearly two years ago.
U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, stated that the resolution failed to condemn Hamas and did not acknowledge Israel's right to self-defense. Ortagus argued that the resolution "wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas." She also questioned the methodology of the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's declaration of famine in Gaza, calling it "flawed." The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as dire, with reports indicating over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. Denmark's U.N. Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen affirmed that famine in Gaza is a confirmed reality, expected to worsen if conditions persist.
The conflict originated with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Local health authorities report over 64,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since that time. Despite the humanitarian crisis, the U.S. maintained that Hamas bears responsibility for the continuation of the war, with Ortagus stating, "Israel has accepted proposed terms that would end the war, but Hamas continues to reject them." The U.S. has historically provided diplomatic protection for Israel at the U.N.
The resolution was put forth by the council's ten elected members. The U.S. veto occurred as Israeli forces intensified their offensive in Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on September 29.