US Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution on Gaza Conflict

The United States has used its veto power to block a UN Security Council resolution calling for an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The resolution, put forward by the council's 10 non-permanent members, also called for the release of hostages, which has been a major point of contention in the discussions. The council voted on the resolution, with the U.S. standing alone in opposition, effectively using its permanent veto to prevent its passage.

A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, accused some members of the Security Council of deliberately rejecting efforts for a compromise. The official argued that the U.S. could not support a ceasefire that did not explicitly call for the immediate release of hostages. "As we have said many times before, we cannot support an unconditional ceasefire that does not include the immediate release of hostages," the official stated.

Before the vote, the United Kingdom proposed modified language to the resolution, which the U.S. could have supported as a compromise. However, this new version was rejected, leading to the failure of the proposed ceasefire.

The U.S. official also noted that the process had been influenced by geopolitical dynamics, with Russia and China reportedly encouraging some council members to push for more aggressive language in the resolution. These countries’ influence was seen as undermining the possibility of a compromise and further polarizing the council’s stance.