The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Thursday that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The U.S. said the resolution failed to sufficiently condemn Hamas and recognize Israel’s right to self-defense.
All 14 other council members voted in favor of the draft, which described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic” and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid delivery to the 2.1 million Palestinians living there.
US Explains Its Opposition
Ahead of the vote, U.S. policy adviser Morgan Ortagus explained why Washington opposed the measure.
“Colleagues, U.S. opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise. It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.”
She added that other council members “ignored” U.S. warnings about unacceptable language and instead adopted “performative action designed to draw a veto.”
#BREAKING
United States VETOES Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded immediate, unconditional & permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and immediate, dignified & unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas & other groupsIn Favor: 14
Against: 1 (US)
Abstain: 0 pic.twitter.com/hNBtcQQc0U— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 18, 2025
Growing Isolation of US and Israel
The outcome highlighted the growing isolation of the U.S. and Israel on the global stage as the Gaza war nears two years. The vote came days before the annual UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a major issue. Several U.S. allies, including the UK and France, are expected to move toward recognizing a Palestinian state — a step opposed by both Washington and Tel Aviv.
The resolution, drafted by 10 elected Security Council members, emphasized the “deepening of suffering” among Palestinian civilians.
Strong Reactions from UN Members
Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour voiced frustration over the outcome:
“I can understand the anger and frustration and disappointment of the Palestinian people who might be watching this session of the Security Council, hoping that there is some help in the pipeline, and this nightmare could be brought to an end. I can imagine the anger and frustration that it did not happen.”
Algeria’s UN ambassador Amar Bendjama also expressed regret:
“14 courageous members of this Security Council raised their voice. They have acted with conscience and in the cause of the international public opinion.”
Pakistan’s ambassador called the veto during the 10,000th Security Council meeting a “dark moment.”
Israel Rejects Resolution
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution, arguing it would not achieve its stated goals.
“Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism,” Danon said.
Humanitarian Concerns Rise
The resolution also raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis. A UN-backed report last month warned that famine has gripped Gaza City and could spread unless restrictions on aid are lifted.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, aimed at destroying Hamas’s military infrastructure. The offensive is expected to last for months.
At the same time, independent UN experts accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, calling for international action.
Public Opinion in the US
The U.S. veto comes amid shifting American public opinion. A recent AP-NORC poll found that about half of Americans believe Israel’s response in Gaza has gone too far. In November 2023, that figure was 40%. However, fewer Americans now see negotiating a ceasefire as a top priority for the U.S. government.
