The United States vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, along with unrestricted humanitarian aid access across the conflict-ravaged territory.
Despite strong international support—14 of the 15 council members voted in favor—the U.S. blocked the resolution, citing its failure to condemn Hamas or demand the group’s disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, stated the measure would compromise Washington’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire and peace framework.
The vote took place as Israel intensified its military campaign in Gaza, resuming operations after the collapse of a two-month truce in March. On the same day, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 45 Palestinians, while one Israeli soldier was killed in combat, according to official sources on both sides.
Britain’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, sharply criticized Israel’s expanded military operations and severe restrictions on aid deliveries, calling them “unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive.”
Israel remains firmly opposed to a permanent or unconditional ceasefire, insisting that Hamas must be eradicated from Gaza. Addressing the council, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the vote in favor of the resolution, accusing members of endorsing “appeasement and submission,” and warned it would lead only to continued violence.
Hamas denounced the U.S. veto, calling it evidence of Washington’s “blind bias” toward Israel. The resolution also included demands for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other factions.
The conflict, which began with a deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of around 250 individuals, has since claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials. Thousands more remain buried under rubble.
Although Israel eased an 11-week blockade in May, aid deliveries remain limited. A U.S.- and Israel-backed distribution network—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—has since begun operations, using private American security and logistics firms to deliver aid to designated “secure” areas. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the group denies.
