U.S. Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution as Gaza Offensive Intensifies
Table of Contents
- 1. U.S. Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution as Gaza Offensive Intensifies
- 2. Israel’s Gaza Offensive: A Deepening Crisis
- 3. Understanding the Gaza Conflict: A Historical Outlook
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions about the Gaza Conflict
- 5. What are the key conditions the US is seeking before supporting a ceasefire in Gaza?
- 6. US Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution for Sixth Time Amidst Ongoing Israel-Palestine Conflict
- 7. The Sixth Veto: A Deep dive into the UN Security Council Vote
- 8. Understanding the Resolution and US Objections
- 9. Historical Context: Previous Vetoes and UN Responses
- 10. International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Published: September 18, 2025
Meta Description: the United States blocked a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, even as Israel’s military operations escalate, raising fears of further humanitarian disaster.
The United States on thursday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a move occurring as Israel broadened it’s military offensive on Gaza City. The resolution, supported by 14 of the 15 Security Council members, urgently called for a “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties,” the release of all hostages held by Hamas and allied groups, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
Drafted by the Council’s ten elected members, the proposal went beyond previous attempts by explicitly highlighting the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza, nearly two years into the ongoing conflict. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 65,141 people have been killed.
U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, stated that U.S. opposition to the resolution was anticipated, asserting that it failed to condemn Hamas or acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defence. She also claimed that the resolution wrongly validated narratives that benefit Hamas,which she alleges have gained traction within the Council.
Ortagus further challenged the methodology used in the UN-backed Integrated Food Security phase Classification’s (IPC) recent declaration of famine in Gaza. She praised the work of GHF hubs, despite reports of many Palestinian civilians being killed while seeking food at these locations.
Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, expressed deep regret over the U.S. veto, lamenting that it prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its duty to protect civilians and prevent potential genocide.He criticized the Council’s silence, stating it undermined its credibility and authority, and argued the veto power should not be used in cases of atrocities.
Algerian Ambassador to the UN, amar Bendjama, delivered a poignant plea, asking for forgiveness from the Palestinian people. He asserted the world discussed rights but denied them to Palestinians, and that international efforts had been thwarted by this “wall of rejection.”
Bendjama highlighted the devastating toll of the war, stating it had killed over 18,000 children, 12,000 women, 1,400 medical professionals, and 250 journalists. He argued that Israel appeared “immune” to international law due to bias within the international system.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, maintained that Israel required no justification for its actions in Gaza, thanking Ortagus for the U.S. veto. He asserted Israel would continue its fight against Hamas and protect its citizens,regardless of the Security Council’s stance.
Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor, James Bays, reporting from New York, characterized the vote as a “sombre” event coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.He contrasted the call for “multilateral diplomacy” with the U.S.’s “America-first” approach, and its reduced funding for UN humanitarian efforts, deeming this historical low point for the organization.
Israel’s Gaza Offensive: A Deepening Crisis
With its ground offensive on Gaza City, initiated on Tuesday, Israel shows no signs of relenting in its pursuit of a ceasefire. The Israeli military, focused on eliminating Hamas, has not specified a timeline for the operation, suggesting it could span several months.
On Tuesday, a team of autonomous UN Human Rights Council experts concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, claiming an intent to “destroy” the Palestinian population. Prior to the vote, Danon stated that the resolution wouldn’t secure the release of hostages or bring about security.
Danish Ambassador to the UN, Christina Markus Lassen, underscored the severity of the man-made famine, describing desperate mothers boiling leaves to feed their children, and fathers searching for sustenance amidst the rubble. She warned that a generation faced being lost not onyl to war, but also to hunger and despair.
| Metric | Data (as of Sept 18, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Palestinian Deaths (Gaza) | 65,141+ |
| Children Killed | 18,000+ |
| Women Killed | 12,000+ |
| Medical Professionals Killed | 1,400+ |
| Journalists Killed | 250+ |
did You Know? The current conflict in Gaza surpasses the death toll of the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, which resulted in over 2,200 Palestinian deaths and 72 Israeli deaths.
Understanding the Gaza Conflict: A Historical Outlook
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is among the world’s most enduring and complex disputes. Its roots lie in competing claims over the same territory,dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of a large number of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (“catastrophe” in Arabic).
Numerous attempts at peace negotiations have failed to achieve a lasting resolution.Key obstacles include disagreements over borders, the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and security concerns. The Gaza Strip,controlled by Hamas since 2007,has been subject to an Israeli blockade,severely restricting the movement of people and goods.
Pro Tip: Stay informed by consulting multiple sources and verifying facts before sharing it. Reliable sources include the UN, established news organizations, and academic institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gaza Conflict
What are your thoughts on the US veto and its implications for the future of gaza? Share your opinions and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below.
What are the key conditions the US is seeking before supporting a ceasefire in Gaza?
US Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution for Sixth Time Amidst Ongoing Israel-Palestine Conflict
The Sixth Veto: A Deep dive into the UN Security Council Vote
On September 18, 2025, the United States cast its sixth veto against a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This action, occurring amidst the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, has sparked international outrage and renewed debate over the US’s role in the region and within the UN. The resolution, drafted by Algeria, garnered support from 13 of the 15 Security Council members, with the united Kingdom abstaining.This latest veto underscores the deeply entrenched political complexities surrounding the conflict and the challenges to achieving a lasting peace. Key terms related to this event include: Gaza ceasefire, UN security Council vote, US veto, Israel-Palestine conflict, and international diplomacy.
Understanding the Resolution and US Objections
The proposed resolution demanded an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza, leading to a cessation of hostilities. It also reiterated the Security Council’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
The US delegation, led by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, argued that the resolution’s language did not adequately address the issue of Hamas’s continued presence in Gaza and its capacity to launch attacks against Israel. Specifically, the US maintains that a ceasefire without a clear plan for the disarmament of hamas would only allow the group to regroup and rearm, leading to further conflict. The US has repeatedly called for a conditional ceasefire, linked to the release of hostages. Related search terms include: ceasefire conditions, Hamas disarmament, hostage release negotiations, and UN resolution details.
Historical Context: Previous Vetoes and UN Responses
This isn’t an isolated incident. the US has previously vetoed similar resolutions on October 27th, November 15th, December 8th, December 22nd, and February 20th, 2025. Each veto has been met with condemnation from numerous countries, especially those in the Global South.
* October 27th, 2025: Vetoed a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses.
* November 15th, 2025: Vetoed a resolution demanding an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce.
* December 8th,2025: Vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages.
* December 22nd, 2025: Vetoed a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
* February 20th, 2025: Vetoed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The repeated use of the veto power has raised questions about the effectiveness of the UN Security Council in addressing the crisis and has fueled calls for reform of the council’s veto system. Keywords: UN Security council reform, veto power, diplomatic failures, Gaza humanitarian crisis.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The latest US veto has drawn sharp criticism from allies and adversaries alike. European nations, while generally supportive of israel’s right to defend itself, have increasingly called for a ceasefire to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Arab nations have condemned the US’s actions as a betrayal of international law and a hindrance to peace.
Several countries are exploring choice avenues for diplomatic action, including:
* Increased pressure on Israel: Calls for greater accountability for civilian casualties and adherence to international humanitarian law.
* Bilateral negotiations: Efforts to mediate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas through direct talks.
* UN General Assembly resolutions: Seeking non-binding resolutions through the General Assembly, were the US does not have veto power.
Related searches: international response to Gaza, *