The United States on Wednesday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire and full humanitarian access in Gaza, arguing it would hinder ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement, as Palestinians continue to suffer under Israeli attacks and blockade.
The resolution, put forward by 10 elected members of the 15-nation council, does not explicitly condemn Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack or demand the group’s disarmament—two conditions Washington insists on before supporting a cease-fire. Nor does it link the truce to the release of all hostages, although it demands that those abducted by Hamas and others be freed.
"This resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground and emboldens Hamas," Washington's United Nations envoy Dorothy Shea said ahead of the vote.
Citing the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza, the resolution calls on Israel to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale, including by the U.N. and humanitarian partners. Israel continues to face mounting international criticism for systematically blocking life-saving assistance and weaponizing humanitarian aid delivery.
