NEW YORK, USA — The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, marking the latest diplomatic setback in global efforts to end the protracted conflict.
The resolution, which described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic,” received the support of 14 out of the 15 council members during Wednesday June 4, 2025’s vote.
The U.S. was the sole dissenting voice, exercising its veto power to block the measure.
Drafted amid mounting international concern over deteriorating conditions in Gaza, the resolution urged Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid and called for the “immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.”
While broadly supported by council members, the resolution did not include language condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel or calling for the disarmament and withdrawal of the militant group — omissions the U.S. cited as key reasons for its opposition.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, said the resolution would compromise Israel’s security and undercut ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“This resolution fails to reflect the realities on the ground and risks emboldening Hamas at a time when we are working toward a ceasefire agreement,” Shea told the council.
The vote marked the first Security Council action on Gaza since November 2024, when the U.S. also vetoed a similar proposal.
Since the war erupted, the council has deliberated on 14 Gaza-related resolutions, approving only four.
Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with limited humanitarian aid beginning to enter the enclave late last month following pressure from international partners and warnings from aid organisations about a looming famine.
The U.S. remains one of Israel’s most influential allies, and its repeated use of the veto power has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly as civilian casualties and humanitarian needs in Gaza continue to rise.
Under UN procedures, any one of the five permanent members of the Security Council — the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — can veto a resolution, effectively nullifying it even if all other members vote in favour.
