The United States cast its sixth veto at the United Nations Security Council on September 18, blocking a resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, along with the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid and the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
Fourteen out of the 15 Council members voted in favor of the motion. The lone dissent came from the U.S., which justified the veto by arguing the draft resolution failed to condemn Hamas, did not explicitly recognise Israel’s right to self-defence, and borrowed “false narratives” said by U.S. diplomats to disproportionately benefit Hamas.
In the Council debate, Denmark’s ambassador flagged that famine has now been confirmed in Gaza, not simply projected, citing worsening conditions as Israeli military operations continued to expand in Gaza City. The resolution’s authors emphasised the “catastrophic humanitarian situation”, pointing to restricted access for aid and severe civilian suffering.
U.S. deputy envoy Morgan Ortagus said the draft was unacceptable because it omits crucial elements — condemnation of Hamas’s actions, acknowledgement of Israeli self-defence, and linkage between a ceasefire and hostages’ release. She also described some of the language as performative and framed the resolution as one shaped to be vetoed.
Palestinian and other member delegations sharply denounced the veto. The Palestinian U.N. observer called it “deeply regrettable”, saying it prevented the Council from fulfilling its role in protecting civilians amid what many perceive as possible atrocity crimes. Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama apologised emotionally to Palestinians, saying their hopes were dashed by this veto.
China expressed “very disappointed” at the U.S. action, urging Washington to assume its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Council. Pakistan condemned the veto as a “dark moment” for the Security Council.
This latest veto continues a pattern since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, and has since placed enormous strain on Gaza’s civilian population. According to Palestinian health authorities, the death toll has surpassed 65,000 in Gaza. Israel has stepped up its military operations, particularly in Gaza City, even as global concern mounts over famine, displacement, and blocked aid flows.
Diplomats warn that this sixth U.S. veto may further isolate Washington diplomatically, especially ahead of the U.N. General Assembly session, where tensions over the war and U.S. support for Israel are expected to be central. Many member states believe repeated vetoes damage the UN Security Council’s credibility amid grave humanitarian crises.
