The United States has vetoed a United Nations (UN) security council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The other 14 members of the 15-nation council voted in favour of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”.
The resolution also called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the Palestinians in the territory.
Israel imposed a blockade on supplies into Gaza on March 2, with limited aid only beginning to enter the Strip late last month following pressure from allies and warnings of impending famine.
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The drafted resolution also demanded the “immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups”.
However, the resolution did not condemn Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the war, or ask the militant group to disarm and withdraw from Gaza — two key US demands.
It was the 15-member body’s first vote on the subject since November, when the US — a key ally of Israel — also blocked a text calling for an end to the war.
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In Wednesday’s vote, Dorothy Shea, acting US ambassador, said the resolution would undermine Israel’s security.
Shea said the resolution also countered diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire “that reflects the realities on the ground” while emboldening Hamas.
The UN security council veto power allows any of the five permanent members—US, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK)—to block the adoption of any resolution, regardless of the number of affirmative votes.
This means that even if all other 14 members of the council vote in favour of a resolution, it will not pass if one of the permanent members vetoes it.
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The council has voted on 14 Gaza-related resolutions and approved only four since the war began.
