The United States on Thursday once again blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages, sparking widespread international criticism and highlighting Washington’s isolation on the world stage.
All 14 other members of the Council voted in favor, denouncing the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift restrictions on aid to the territory’s 2.1 million civilians.
Diplomats, aid groups, and human rights advocates framed the veto as a dramatic failure of international diplomacy at a moment of escalating violence.
Morgan Ortagus, senior U.S. policy adviser, defended the decision, saying the resolution “fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself” and risks legitimizing Hamas’ narrative.
But her words did little to quiet the chorus of outrage from other Council members.
