Post by : Naveen Mittal

US Vetoes UN Gaza Resolution for Sixth Time

The war in Gaza has once again taken the spotlight at the United Nations Security Council. A new draft resolution, prepared by ten elected members of the council, called for an urgent ceasefire, immediate relief for civilians, and the unconditional release of hostages. While 14 out of 15 members voted in favor, the United States used its veto power to block the resolution, marking the sixth time it has done so since the war began nearly two years ago.

A Council Divided

The resolution had strong support. Diplomats from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America argued that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had reached a catastrophic stage. They stressed that famine had been confirmed in Gaza—not just predicted. Civilians, already suffering from heavy bombings, are now facing starvation.

Denmark’s ambassador Christina Markus Lassen said: “Famine has been confirmed in Gaza—this is no longer a warning but a grim reality. Israel’s expanding military operation in Gaza City has deepened the suffering of civilians. This is a humanitarian and human failure, and that is why we acted today.”

Despite these appeals, the US rejected the resolution, stating that it unfairly targeted Israel without addressing Hamas’s responsibility.

US Position on the Conflict

US diplomat Morgan Ortagus explained Washington’s reasoning: “Hamas started this war and continues to reject peace terms. Israel has accepted proposals that would end the war. This conflict could end today if Hamas freed the hostages and laid down arms.”

The US continues to defend Israel on the international stage, despite growing criticism. Last week, Washington supported a Security Council statement condemning strikes in Qatar, though the text avoided directly blaming Israel. Observers saw that move as rare. However, the veto on Thursday confirmed America’s long-standing stance of offering diplomatic protection to Israel.

Israel’s Reaction

Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon acknowledged disagreements but praised the strength of US-Israel relations. He admitted Israel did not like the statement about the Qatar strikes but accepted it because of the “overall high level of cooperation” with the US.

Danon also announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would travel to New York for the annual UN General Assembly and later meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on September 29.

The Human Toll of War

The war began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians, and about 251 were taken hostage. Since then, Gaza has suffered massive losses. Health authorities in Gaza report that more than 64,000 people have been killed, the majority being women and children.

The UN has called the number of aid workers killed “unprecedented in its 80-year history.” Nearly 543 humanitarian workers, including 373 UN staff, have lost their lives in Gaza since the war began.

Growing Anger at the UN

Many diplomats and humanitarian groups have criticized the Security Council’s failure to take decisive action. They argue that repeated US vetoes have prevented the council from achieving peace or even pausing the conflict for humanitarian aid delivery.

The Security Council is expected to hold another high-level meeting on Gaza when world leaders gather in New York next week. Critics say that unless there is unity among the five permanent members, resolutions will continue to fail.

What Lies Ahead

The war shows no sign of ending. Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza City, while Hamas continues to fight back. The civilian population remains trapped between the two sides, facing bombings, famine, and displacement.

Observers believe that the US veto may protect its ally Israel diplomatically, but it also increases frustration among other nations. Human rights groups insist that the international community must act to stop further civilian suffering.