New York: The United States has once again blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. was the sole nation to vote against the proposal, while all 14 other Security Council members, including the United Kingdom, supported it. No members abstained.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Camille Shea defended the decision, stating that the resolution failed to address key security concerns. Specifically, she criticized the draft for omitting any requirement for Hamas to disarm and withdraw from Gaza.
“This resolution is unacceptable not only for what it says, but also for what it leaves out,” Shea said ahead of the vote. She underscored the U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense, emphasizing that any measure threatening Israel’s security “is a nonstarter.”
This marks the second time in recent months that Washington has vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution. In November 2024, the U.S. blocked a similar draft, citing concerns that it would not secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In a rare divergence from Washington’s stance, the United Kingdom backed the resolution. UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed disappointment over the Security Council’s failure to reach consensus.
“We voted in favor today due to the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” she said. Woodward criticized Israel’s recent military escalation and limitations on humanitarian aid, calling them “unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive.”
Despite its criticism of Israel’s conduct, the UK reaffirmed its condemnation of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage. Woodward stressed that Hamas must release all hostages and play no role in Gaza’s future governance. She also reiterated the UK’s support for a two-state solution.
The latest military campaign by Israel, launched in mid-May, has intensified the humanitarian toll. Tel Aviv says the operation is aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages, but global humanitarian agencies warn civilians are paying the highest price.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 54,000 people — mostly women and children — have been killed in the Israeli assault since October.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the U.S. veto, praising President Donald Trump and his administration for their continued support. He argued that the proposed resolution would have empowered Hamas and hindered efforts to negotiate a hostage deal.
The blocked resolution had also called for the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded safe, unrestricted distribution of supplies. Additionally, it reiterated the call for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and affiliated groups.
On the other hand, the United States is reportedly increasing pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict through diplomatic means. However, the contrasting approaches adopted by Washington in the cases of Ukraine and Palestine have drawn attention to a perceived inconsistency in its foreign policy.
Observers note that this divergence highlights how Western priorities may at times place strategic interests above universal human rights, raising broader questions about the current strength and consistency of human rights principles within the Western-led international order.
