In a controversial move, the United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with unhindered humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. The resolution, introduced on June 4, 2025, received support from 14 of the 15 Council members, including the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. The U.S. stood alone in opposing it.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, defended the veto by stating that the resolution did not go far enough in condemning Hamas for its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to Shea, the resolution also lacked conditions such as Hamas disarmament, withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages. She argued that supporting the resolution without these terms would be “irresponsible.”
The veto has drawn international criticism. China’s UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, accused Washington of shielding Israel from accountability and allowing humanitarian violations in Gaza to continue unchecked. The UK’s Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, described Israel’s military actions and restrictions on aid delivery as disproportionate and unjustifiable.
In reaction to the veto, Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour announced plans to introduce a similar resolution at the UN General Assembly next week. While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding and cannot be vetoed, they serve as a barometer of global public opinion.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire. Reports estimate that over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, with aid operations hindered by ongoing military operations and access restrictions.
