US vetoes UN resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza

United States on Thursday (September 18) vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

This move by U.S. marked Washington’s sixth veto related to the war between Israel and Hamas since it began nearly two years ago.

The draft resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the 15-member Council, also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.

Fourteen Council members voted in favour of the resolution, with only the U.S. opposing it.

“Famine has been confirmed in Gaza — not projected, not declared, confirmed,” Denmark’s UN. Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen told the Council ahead of the vote. “Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians.”

A global hunger monitoring body last month confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas, warning that the crisis is likely to worsen.

The U.S. has repeatedly defended its vetoes by citing concerns over resolutions it says could undermine diplomatic efforts or Israel’s right to self-defense.