US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire
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The United States on Thursday blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, once again shielding Israel from international diplomatic pressure.
The 14 other Council members voted in favor of the resolution, which was introduced in August after the UN formally declared famine in Gaza following nearly two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
The text demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties” as well as the “immediate and unconditional release of hostages.” The US, however, cast its veto, repeating its stance from previous votes, including one in June.
The vote came as Israeli tanks and fighter jets carried out heavy strikes on Gaza City in a new ground offensive, pushing thousands of Palestinians to flee south.
Denmark’s UN ambassador, Christina Lassen, said before the vote that the resolution should send a clear message that the Security Council was not turning its back on starving civilians, the hostages, and the demand for a ceasefire. She warned that a generation risked being lost not only to war but also to hunger and despair.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, rejected the resolution, saying that resolutions against Israel would not release the hostages or bring security to the region. He asserted that Israel would continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council preferred to turn a blind eye to terrorism.
The US veto has deepened frustration among Council members, who say they are unable to exert pressure on Israel to ease civilian suffering. The last veto in June prompted rare public anger from all 14 other members.
On Tuesday, a UN-mandated investigative commission accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza since October 2023, with the intent to “destroy” the Palestinian people. The charge is expected to dominate discussions at the upcoming annual UN summit in New York.