HAMILTON, CANADA
U.S. Veto of UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Labeled 'Long Past Due' by Palestine
Gaza Crisis: The Palestine Representative to the U.N. fiercely lashed out at the U.S. for vetoing a petition calling for an immediate truce and unhindered aid supply in Gaza. Riyad Mansour delivered his criticisms at the Security Council on Wednesday.
"This resolution aimed to demand an immediate end to the bloodshed, marking the beginning of the lengthy process to rectify the catastrophic humanitarian crisis, halt the ongoing genocide, liberate captives, and drive Israeli troops out of Gaza," Mansour pointed out.
He explained that the resolution also sought to terminate the designed starvation that edges more than 2 million Palestinians, including 1 million children, towards the brink of famine and confines them to limited areas within the enclave to expedite their expulsion and annexation.
"Enough is enough," demanded Mansour, advocating for an end to this oppressive, illegitimate siege.
"The Israeli forces must open all crossing points and allow aid to reach Palestinians throughout Gaza," he underscored, stressing the necessity for U.N. agencies and humanitarian organizations to be granted the freedom to distribute life-saving aid to all who require it.
Mansour put the blame squarely on Israel for violating fundamental international laws and principles, citing numerous international court orders and U.N. resolutions, and labeled their actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
"Can the Council say something about that?" he posed.
Unfortunately, the draft resolution, containing minimal humanitarian and legal demands, was thwarted by a veto, causing Mansour to declare that "this draft resolution is long overdue."
"We will be heading to the General Assembly in the coming days," he declared.
He implored U.N. members to act decisively in their national capacity to swiftly put an end to the genocide and highlighted the fact that each state possesses the tools necessary to bring a halt to the cruel reign over the Palestinian people in Gaza, hastening their murder, starvation, and suffering.
Mansour invoked past global movements against apartheid, emphasizing the necessity for states to show courage and take those first, pivotal steps that others would inevitably follow.
The U.S. has previously vetoed fourSecurity Council draft resolutions that requested an urgent cessation of hostilities in Gaza – in October 2023, December 2023, February 2024, and November 2024, while abstaining in votes on other draft resolutions.
Israel, defying international appeals for a ceasefire, persists in pursuing a genocidal campaign in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 54,600 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns about the likelihood of famine among the Gaza Strip's 2 million inhabitants.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel now faces a genocide trial at the International Court of Justice for its alleged war crimes against civilians within the enclave.
UN, US
Enrichment Data:
Overview:
The U.N.'s attempts to establish a lasting truce and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza are met with ongoing difficulties, as international politics and security concerns continue to complicate the situation.
Ceasefire Attempts:
- Failed Security Council Resolution: On June 4, 2025, the United Nations Security Council failed to pass a resolution advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza due to the veto by the United States. This action foiled a measure designed to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
- U.S. Veto Rationale: The U.S. explained that it would not support a resolution that fails to condemn Hamas, demand its disarmament, or compel Hamas to abandon Gaza, citing the group's rejection of numerous ceasefire proposals and escalation of the conflict since October 7, 2023.
- Ongoing Crisis: Since the breakdown of the ceasefire in mid-March 2025, Israeli military operations have worsened, leading to significant civilian fatalities and worsening humanitarian conditions, as reported by UNRWA.
Humanitarian Aid:
- Dire Humanitarian Situation: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe, with UNRWA providing consistent reports of widespread destruction, displacement, and urgent requirements for food, medical supplies, and shelter.
- International Interventions: Despite ongoing efforts by international agencies and some member states to facilitate humanitarian access and negotiate ceasefire agreements, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, such as the recent crisis, prompt the UN to propose policies-and-legislation aimed at establishing a lasting truce and delivering humanitarian aid, but these efforts face obstacles due to international politics and security concerns.
- The US, through its veto of a resolution at the UN Security Council on June 4, 2025, hindered the alleviation of suffering of civilians in Gaza, citing the group Hamas' rejection of ceasefire proposals and escalation of the conflict. This action highlights the complex politics surrounding the Gaza crisis.
