US vetoes 'ill-conceived' UNSC resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire over failure to address Hamas

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Wednesday over its failure to address Hamas’ refusal to release the hostages or disarm as part of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. 

The UN Security Council held a vote on Wednesday on a resolution submitted by ten non-permanent member states. The resolution called for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” the release of the hostages, and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. 

Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea indicated the United States would veto the resolution before the vote over its failure to condemn Hamas and call for the terror group's disarmament. 

“The United States has been clear we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Shea said. 

She also criticized the resolution, saying it would harm existing attempts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. 

“This resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground, and embolden Hamas,” she stated, adding that the resolution was "unacceptable for what it does say, it is unacceptable for what it does not say, and it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced.” 

Shea continued by defending Israel’s right to self defense, saying the U.S. “has taken the very clear position since this conflict began that Israel has a right to defend itself, which includes defeating Hamas and ensuring they are never again in a position to threaten Israel. In this regard, any product that undermines our close ally Israel’s security is a nonstarter.” 

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN Barbara Woodward, said the United Kingdom voted in favor of the resolution due to the “intolerable situation in Gaza.” 

“We are determined to see an end to this war, secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas and alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation for Palestinians in Gaza,” she stated. 

Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, no UNSC resolutions regarding Israel have passed. 

According to Ynet News, a senior U.S. State Department official called the resolution “ill-conceived and shameful,” particularly “at a time when serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness, funding and priorities of the United Nations.” 

The resolution came as Israel has intensified its ground operations against Hamas, and amid reports of shooting attacks on Palestinians seeking to obtain humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. 

While many international media organizations repeated Hamas' claims that the IDF had fired on Palestinians approaching the humanitarian aid distribution points set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Sunday and Monday, those reports were later determined to be false.

The GHF released video footage from their distribution points during the times of the reported shootings, showing that no gunfire occurred at those locations.

The IDF also released drone footage showing armed gunmen in Khan Younis shooting at Gaza residents attempting to loot a humanitarian aid delivery.

Despite international calls for an end to the fighting in Gaza, Israel continues to reject calls for a permanent ceasefire, reiterating that the Hamas terrorist organization must not remain in power in the Gaza Strip.