The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, despite overwhelming international support for the measure.
The resolution, co-sponsored by 10 elected members of the Security Council—Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia—received 14 out of 15 votes in favor on Wednesday. However, the U.S., one of the Council’s five permanent members, exercised its veto power, effectively nullifying the resolution.
If adopted, the draft would have required all parties to adhere to an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza” and reiterated the call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups. It also stressed the urgency of restoring humanitarian access and services across the besieged enclave, while condemning the deteriorating conditions and looming famine caused by months of aid restrictions.
The resolution called for the lifting of all barriers to humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians, and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. It further supported ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., following Resolution 2735 (2024), which outlined a phased framework including hostages’ release, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza’s reconstruction.
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Ahead of the vote, U.S. acting ambassador Dorothy Shea criticized the resolution’s wording and process. “This draft is unacceptable—not only for what it says, but for what it leaves out,” she stated, highlighting that it failed to condemn Hamas or demand its disarmament and departure from Gaza.
Shea emphasized that Hamas had already rejected several ceasefire offers, including a recent proposal that could have ended hostilities and freed hostages. “We cannot reward Hamas’ defiance,” she said, quoting Secretary Marco Rubio: “If an ember survives, it will spark again into a fire.”
The resolution’s failure underscores deep divisions within the Council over how to address the Gaza crisis, even as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. UN relief agencies have warned of the near-total collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, mass displacement, and skyrocketing deaths amid a newly privatized, U.S.-Israel-led aid distribution network that bypasses traditional UN channels.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expressed despair over the continued violence. “The world is watching horrifying scenes—Palestinians being shot, wounded, or killed simply trying to eat,” he said.
While the resolution failed, global attention remains fixed on Gaza’s plight and the growing frustration with the Security Council’s inaction due to the use of veto powers.
TheLagosTimes
