United States vetoes a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution for Gaza

  • On 18 September 2025, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council.
  • The resolution demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
  • It also asked for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
  • The resolution would have required Israel to lift restrictions on aid into Gaza
  • Out of 15 Security Council members, 14 voted in favour of the resolution.
  • The United States was the only country to vote against (i.e. vetoed).
  • This was the sixth U.S. veto regarding Gaza war ceasefire resolutions since the conflict began.
  • The U.S. said the draft text was imbalanced and did not sufficiently condemn Hamas.
  • The U.S. also argued it failed to affirm Israel’s right to defend itself.
  • U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus said the “flawed methodology” was used for declaring famine in Gaza.
  • Israel welcomed the U.S. veto, saying it supports its right to defend itself.