The United States on Tuesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which had widespread support in the 15-member council, was blocked by the U.S. on the grounds that it could jeopardize separate ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
The vote was 13 in favor and one against, with the United Kingdom abstaining. The resolution, drafted by Algeria, was co-sponsored by more than 70 member states. As a permanent member of the Security Council, the United States’ negative vote constitutes a veto, preventing the resolution’s adoption.
The text of the draft resolution demanded “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties.” It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and condemned the forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population.
Speaking to the council before the vote, Algeria’s Ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama, said that failing to act would be “an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment being inflicted.” After the veto, he stated, “We will not stop. We will not rest until the Security Council shoulders its responsibility in the manner that is dictated by its mandate.”
U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, explained the U.S. position after casting the veto. She said the resolution would not achieve the goals of a sustainable peace and could run counter to diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to broker a deal.
“Demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire without an agreement requiring Hamas to release the hostages will not bring about a durable peace,” Thomas-Greenfield said in her statement. “Instead, it could extend the fighting between Hamas and Israel.”
The U.S. has circulated an alternative draft resolution that supports a temporary ceasefire tied to the release of all hostages. That text also states that a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah “should not proceed under current circumstances.”
This marks the third time the U.S. has vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire since the conflict began on Oct. 7, following Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
Representatives from other council members expressed their positions following the vote. China’s Ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, said the U.S. veto sent “a wrong message, pushing the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous one.” Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, stated the U.S. was “granting a license to kill.”
The UK’s Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, explained the country’s abstention by saying, “Simply calling for a ceasefire… will not make it happen.” She added that the best way to stop the fighting is through a deal for a pause to allow for the release of hostages and the entry of more aid.
