US Vetoes UN Call for Gaza Ceasefire
The United States cast its sixth veto at the UN Security Council on September 18, 2025, rejecting a resolution that would have demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also called for Israel to lift its restrictions on aid access to the besieged territory and for the release of all hostages held by Hamas or other groups.
Vote and Global Response
Fourteen of the fifteen members of the Security Council supported the resolution; the U.S. was the lone dissenter. Critics of the veto noted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including famine conditions confirmed by multiple observers, and expanding Israeli military operations in Gaza City that have deepened civilian suffering.
US Justifies Veto
In defending its vote, the U.S. said the proposed resolution failed to sufficiently condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, effectively legitimizing narratives supportive of Hamas. It argued that the text lacked balance.
