**US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Demanding Immediate Gaza Ceasefire**
On June 4, 2025, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, marking its first veto on this issue under the second Trump administration. The resolution, backed 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 to Gaza. Despite widespread support, the U.S. stood alone in opposition, citing the resolution’s failure to condition the ceasefire on the immediate release of hostages.
The draft, co-sponsored by the Council’s 10 elected members, including Algeria, Denmark, and Pakistan, aimed to address the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The resolution sought unhindered aid access and supported mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar for a phased ceasefire framework. However, Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea argued that the text undermined diplomatic efforts by not condemning Hamas or calling for its disarmament and exit from Gaza. “We cannot allow the Security Council to reward Hamas’ intransigence,” Shea stated.
The veto drew sharp criticism from other Council members. China’s ambassador, Fu Cong, accused the U.S. of obstructing peace, while Pakistan’s envoy called it a “moral stain” on the Council. The UK, which supported the resolution, condemned Israel’s restrictions on aid as “unjustifiable” and urged humanitarian access. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the U.S. veto, claiming the resolution would have strengthened Hamas.
The decision comes amid escalating violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with UN agencies warning of famine risks and collapsing health services. A controversial U.S.-Israel-led aid distribution system has faced backlash after deadly incidents, including an Israeli strike on a Gaza aid point that killed 27 people. As diplomatic efforts falter, the veto underscores the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel, further isolating it on the global stage. A similar resolution is expected to move to the UN General Assembly, where no veto power exists, and is likely to pass.
