UN's resolution on Gaza fails after US veto

The United States has blocked the U.N. Security Council’s draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal urged an "immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 26: Ambassador Dorothy Camille Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine at the U.N. Headquarters on March 26, 2025 in New York City. The Security Council received a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as the country is hit with continued missile strikes and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities from Russia. The meeting comes as the U.S. attempts to secure a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire between the two countries. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 26: Ambassador Dorothy Camille Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine at the U.N. Headquarters on March 26, 2025 in New York City. The Security Council received a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as the country is hit with continued missile strikes and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities from Russia. The meeting comes as the U.S. attempts to secure a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire between the two countries. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Images source: © GETTY | Michael M. Santiago

The proposed resolution was supported by the other 14 members of the Council, including China, France, and the United Kingdom. The voting was conducted amidst the looming threat of famine in the Gaza Strip, which can affect more than 2 million people. Apart from demanding a permanent ceasefire, the Council’s resolution emphasises the importance of access to humanitarian aid, which Israel repeatedly denied. Israel’s 11-week blockade of aid was lifted last month. The resolution’s draft additionally demands the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and other parties engaged in the conflict.

Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea, before the vote, stated that "the United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza." The Ambassador also argued that the resolution would hinder US efforts to achieve a long-lasting ceasefire.

Israel has already repeatedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire, rejecting the possibility of Hamas staying in Gaza. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon responded to the members of the Council who voted in favour of the resolution: "You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror." In turn, Hamas denounced the US veto, saying it depicts "the U.S. administration's blind bias" towards Israel.

The U.N. Security Council’s vote coincided with the advancement of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza claim that Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of 45 people, while Israeli authorities reported that one of their soldiers was killed during the clashes.

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