US vetoes Gaza ceasefire proposal: Stands in favor of Israel, rejects peace appeals by 14 countries?

United Nations: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday voted on a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, but the US rejected it using its veto power. The resolution was supported by 14 out of 15 countries, which was brought in view of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US defended its decision, saying that Israel has every right to defend itself and the resolution did not include condemnation of Hamas and demand for disarmament. The move has garnered sharp criticism globally.

Resolution details and voting

The resolution, introduced in the UNSC by Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered supply of humanitarian aid, and the lifting of all restrictions. The resolution also included support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the US to implement a phased ceasefire.

14 member countries—Britain, France, Russia, China and 10 other temporary members—voted in favour, but the US alone opposed it and vetoed it. US Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea said,

 "We will not support any resolution that does not condemn Hamas and demand it to leave Gaza. This resolution undermines our mediation efforts."

US stance and support for Israel

The US has always supported Israel as its closest ally. Shia argued that no resolution is acceptable without condemning the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. He said Israel has the right to self-defense and the condition for Hamas to give up arms and leave Gaza is mandatory.

Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon hit out at the supporters of the resolution, saying, "You have chosen appeasement and surrender to terrorism. This path does not lead to a peaceful union pathway, but to more terror."

Hamas and global reaction

Hamas strongly condemned the US veto, calling it evidence of "America's blind support for Israel." Hamas leader Bassem Naim said the resolution did not meet the Palestinian people's demands to stop war and starvation, but its rejection was the "end of the last hope" for the people of Gaza.

China's ambassador Fu Kang described the US veto as a "blow to the hopes of the people of Gaza". The UN has warned that 500,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of starvation, and more than 54,000 have died in the past 19 months, mostly women and children.

Gaza's humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. According to the UN, there is a severe shortage of food, water and medical supplies due to the Israeli blockade. In May 2025 the UN warned that if urgent aid did not arrive, 14,000 children could die of starvation in 48 hours. Recently 31 people were reported killed in Israeli shelling near an aid center in Rafah, although Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have denied this.

Background and US mediation

The US had proposed a 60-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza, in which Hamas was to release 10 alive and 18 dead hostages. Israel accepted the proposal, but Hamas demanded a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, which Israel rejected. US envoy Steve Witkoff described Hamas' conditions as "unacceptable".

Conclusion

The US veto is another blow to hopes of peace in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Hamas to accept the proposal, or it will be "completely destroyed". On the other hand, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, and the international community is increasing pressure for a ceasefire. Will new mediation efforts bring peace, or will this war be more destructive? This question remains the center of discussion on the global stage.