ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, despite overwhelming support from the other 14 members. The draft also sought unimpeded humanitarian access across the war-ravaged enclave.
Washington Blocks Ceasefire Citing Hamas Threat
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, defended the veto on Wednesday, stating: “The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza.” Shea warned that the resolution risked undermining U.S.-led diplomatic efforts for a negotiated truce.
The U.S. remains Israel’s strongest ally and its largest arms supplier.
Widespread Support Amid Humanitarian Emergency
All other Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution, amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where over 2 million residents face acute food insecurity. Aid access remains limited, with only partial deliveries resuming since Israel ended an 11-week blockade last month.
Britain’s U.N. Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, called Israel’s expanded military operations and aid restrictions “unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive.”
Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities reported 45 Palestinian deaths in Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday. The Israeli military confirmed the death of one soldier.
Hamas, U.N. Condemn U.S. Decision
Hamas denounced the U.S. veto as evidence of “the U.S. administration’s blind bias” towards Israel. The draft resolution also included demands for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and affiliated groups.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon sharply criticized the resolution’s supporters, stating: “You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror.”
Controversy Over Aid Distribution
Amid the ongoing conflict, aid delivery has become a contentious issue. While U.N.-led operations resumed on May 19, a parallel system managed by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was launched a week later.
The GHF, which uses private U.S. contractors for logistics, claims to have delivered over seven million meals. However, no aid was distributed on Wednesday after a deadly incident near one of its distribution points. The foundation cited “ongoing maintenance work” for delays and called on the Israeli military to enhance civilian safety near its sites.
International organizations, including the U.N., have refused to collaborate with the GHF, citing concerns over its neutrality and the militarization of aid distribution.
International Outcry for Unrestricted Access
U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher reiterated calls for full humanitarian access, urging: “Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in.”
Slovenia’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Zbogar echoed the sentiment: “Enough of suffering of civilians. Enough of food being used as a weapon. Enough is enough is enough.”
Next Steps at the General Assembl
Following the U.S. veto, a similar humanitarian-focused resolution is expected to be introduced in the U.N. General Assembly, where no member state holds veto power. Diplomats suggest the measure will likely pass with broad support.
Despite the diplomatic setback, Israel remains firm in its stance. Danon warned: “No resolution, no vote, no moral failure, will stand in our way.”
The Gaza conflict, which reignited after Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being taken, has since resulted in more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. Thousands remain missing under rubble. The humanitarian toll continues to rise as diplomatic avenues stall.
