The United States has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that sought to mandate an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, deepening global frustration over Washington’s stance on the war.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the proposed text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or in recognising Israel’s right to defend itself. All 14 other council members voted in favour of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and urged Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN’s humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City, where Israeli tanks and troops are pressing deeper into the enclave on the third day of a ground offensive.
“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimises the false narratives benefitting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council,” Ortagus said, adding that Washington’s opposition “should come as no surprise.”
Following the vote, diplomats from around the world voiced anger and dismay. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US decision “deeply regrettable and painful,” saying it had prevented the Security Council from “playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities.”
Pakistan’s envoy Asim Ahmad described the veto as “a dark moment in this chamber,” warning, “The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts.”
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama issued a rare apology to Palestinians, saying: “Palestinian brothers, Palestinian sisters, forgive us. Forgive us because the world speaks of rights, but denies them to Palestinians. Forgive us because our efforts, our sincere efforts, shattered against this wall of rejection.”
The vote comes just days before world leaders convene for the UN General Assembly, where Gaza is expected to dominate discussions and where key US allies — including the United Kingdom — are reportedly preparing to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
On the ground, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing as Israeli forces intensify attacks. Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN humanitarian office, described the situation in Gaza City as “nothing short of cataclysmic.”
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Since then, at least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which also reports 435 deaths from malnutrition and starvation — including four in the past 24 hours alone.
As Israel and its closest ally face mounting global isolation over the war, calls for a ceasefire are growing louder — but Washington’s latest veto has again blocked international consensus.
