US VETOES Gaza Ceasefire – Hamas Omission Cited!
The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution for a Gaza ceasefire over its omission of Hamas condemnation.
At a Glance
- The US vetoed a UN resolution demanding a Gaza ceasefire for not condemning Hamas.
- Vote outcome was 14-1 in favor; the US was the only dissenting vote, leading to the veto.
- US sought a resolution condemning Hamas and supporting the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
- The UN’s resolution draft was initiated by non-permanent members, lacked required condemnations.
US Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
On June 4, 2025, the United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, proposed by the ten non-permanent council members, demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, safe release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid movement. The US objected due to the absence of language condemning Hamas, prompting a veto from the United States as the sole opposing vote against the otherwise 14-1 outcome.
The proposition, initially spearheaded by Algeria, France, and Slovenia, was labeled as symbolic by the US. Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized the need for a more meaningful approach, criticizing the draft for failing to acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist organization and advocating for substantial negotiations.
Reasons Behind the Veto
Ambassador Shea expressed clear reservations about the draft resolution, specifically its failure to include a call for the disarmament of Hamas and support for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Shea underscored the US stance, “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.” This demand aimed to ensure that future resolutions contain actionable components to restore peace and security in the region.
“It is inexplicable that many members of this Council still refuse to acknowledge that Hamas could end this conflict tomorrow by surrendering and laying down its arms. It is unconscionable that the UN still has not labeled and sanctioned Hamas as a terrorist organization.” – Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea.
The US also pointed out that the draft resolution did not adequately address the fate of the 58 hostages held by Hamas, including four Americans, or the need for restricted negotiation space amid ongoing US-mediated talks between Israel and Hamas. Concerns about rushed negotiations were echoed alongside US efforts, with Egypt and Qatar, to shepherd Hamas towards reconsidering its stance on proposed ceasefire and hostage deals.
Impact and Reactions
The conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, continues to strain humanitarian efforts in Gaza. With Israel’s offensive actions still unfolding, international organizations warn of severe humanitarian crises, including famine threats. These ongoing developments amplify the urgency of effective resolution strategies that address root causes of violence and prioritize civilian safety and aid delivery.
“Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials.” – UN aid chief Tom Fletcher.
The UN and aid groups remain concerned about neutrality and possible militarization of aid linked to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Despite ongoing tensions, Israel maintains limited UN-led aid allowances, with a US-backed aid distribution system ensuring continued assistance flow to Gaza. The dynamics in UN discussions likely pivot on future General Assembly sessions where similar resolutions may pass without veto interferences.
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