UN Security Council resolution objection by the United States, calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza
The United States on Wednesday thwarted a UN Security Council resolution clamoring for an "instant, absolute, and perpetual" truce between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza. The U.S. was the lone nation to stand against the resolution. Fourteen others, including the UK, endorsed it. There were no abstentions.
Dorothy Camille Shea, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, explained the U.S.'s opposition to the resolution, stating, "It's a no-go for what it includes, it's a no-go for what it doesn't include, and it's a no-go for its execution." This statement came before the vote took place.
The U.S. reiterated its stance that Israel has the right to defend itself, which includes dismantling Hamas and ensuring they can no longer menace Israel. If a resolution undermines Israel's security, it is a non-starter for the U.S., according to Shea.
This isn't the first time the U.S. has rejected a UN Security Council draft resolution regarding Gaza. In November 2024, it nixed one calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent truce, justifying the move due to concerns that it wouldn't have secured the release of hostages.
The UK stated it "regrets" the resolution failed to reach consensus. "The UK supported this resolution today because of the dire predicament in Gaza," the UK's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Barbara Woodward, said after the vote.
"We're committed to ending this conflict, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, and alleviating the horrific humanitarian plight of Palestinians in Gaza," Woodward added.
Woodward described Israel's escalation of its military operations in Gaza and its stringent restrictions on aid as "unjustifiable, excessive, and counterproductive."
Israel launched a significant offensive in Gaza in mid-May, asserting it aims to annihilate Hamas and rescue hostages. This action garnered condemnation from the United Nations and aid organizations, who warned civilians are suffering disproportionately from the intensified onslaught.
The United Kingdom also condemned Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and demanded the militant group release all hostages "without delay" and unconditionally, emphasizing, "Hamas has no role in the future administration of Gaza."
In 2025, the Security Council met again to consider another draft resolution demanding a "forceful, unconditional, and permanent truce in Gaza respected by all parties". This resolution too was vetoed by the United States, due to the same reasons as the previous attempts. The veto was met with applause from Israel, but criticism from the other 14 members of the Security Council, who expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The international community remains divided over the conflict, with some advocating for a stronger stance against Israel and others emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both parties' actions. The lack of a unified resolution has led to ongoing violence and humanitarian issues in the region, with diplomatic efforts remaining at the forefront of resolving the crisis.
- The United States' decision to veto the UN Security Council draft resolution in November 2024, which called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, followed the same reasons as the previous attempts, suggesting a consistent political stance on war-and-conflicts and general-news.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a horrific humanitarian plight for Palestinians, with the United Kingdom stating its commitment to ending the conflict, securing the release of hostages, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis. This involvement highlights the UK's concerns in the realms of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general-news.
