US Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire at UN for Sixth Time

The United States has once again stood alone at the United Nations, vetoing a Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on September 18, 2025. While all 14 other members backed the measure demanding an unconditional truce, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid, Washington’s decision underscored its continued support for Israel amid one of the deadliest phases of the conflict.

Key Facts

• The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate Gaza ceasefire on September 18, 2025.
• This marks the sixth US veto since the war began.
• All 14 other Security Council members supported the resolution.
• The draft called for:
• Immediate, unconditional, permanent ceasefire
• Hostage release by Hamas
• Lifting Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid for 2.1 million Palestinians.

Background

• The veto comes amid Israel’s intensified ground offensive in Gaza City.
• Netanyahu ordered nearly 1 million Palestinians to evacuate, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
• Over 65,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported.
• Earlier, in January 2025, a three-phase ceasefire deal brokered by the Biden-Trump administrations involved hostage releases, prisoner swaps, and gradual Israeli withdrawal.

Official Statements

• US Position: Morgan Ortagus said the draft “fails to condemn Hamas” and “legitimizes false narratives.”
• Palestinian Response: UN envoy Riyad Mansour called the outcome deeply frustrating.
• Hamas: Condemned the veto as “blatant complicity,” stressing Israel rejected earlier ceasefire proposals.

Impact & Reactions

• The veto highlights US and Israeli isolation just before the UN General Assembly.
• Gaza faces famine-level conditions with restricted aid access.
• International consensus: 14–1 vote against the US.
• Pressure mounts on Washington as allies move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Global Implications

• The sixth US veto has strained relations with allies.
• Undermines multilateral diplomacy.
• Shows unprecedented international consensus favoring an immediate truce.

FAQs

Q1: Why did the US veto the ceasefire resolution?

The US argued the draft resolution failed to condemn Hamas attacks and undermined Israel’s right to self-defense.

Q2: How many times has the US vetoed ceasefire resolutions in 2025?

Six times since the Gaza war began.

Q3: What does the resolution propose?

It called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, hostage releases, and lifting aid restrictions.

Q4: What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?

Over 65,000 deaths reported, mass displacement, and warnings of famine-level conditions.

Q5: How did the international community vote?

14 members supported the resolution; only the US voted against it.

Q6: What’s next at the UN?

The General Assembly will meet, where many countries are expected to push for Palestinian state recognition.