New York – June 5, 2025 – The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, intensifying international frustration over the ongoing conflict and raising questions about Washington’s commitment to peace efforts in the region.
The resolution, introduced by Algeria on behalf of several Arab nations, aimed to halt hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups amid a humanitarian catastrophe that has left thousands dead and displaced. Fourteen of the fifteen Security Council members voted in favor, with the U.S. standing alone in opposition, effectively blocking the resolution’s passage.
In a brief statement following the vote, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield defended the decision, stating that the resolution was “unbalanced” and failed to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.
“The United States remains committed to achieving a sustainable ceasefire,” Thomas-Greenfield said, “but this resolution would not contribute to that goal. It disregards the actions of Hamas and other terrorist groups, and fails to place any responsibility on them for prolonging the conflict.”
The U.S. veto was met with swift condemnation from several member states and humanitarian organizations. Algeria’s ambassador to the UN, Rachid Belkacem, called the move “a grave setback for peace,” adding that it “undermines the credibility of the Security Council at a time when the world is looking for leadership and moral clarity.”
China and Russia, both of whom supported the resolution, criticized the United States for blocking what they described as a “life-saving measure.” Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, accused Washington of giving Israel a “green light” to continue military operations without consequences.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with UN agencies reporting catastrophic shortages of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies. Hospitals are operating beyond capacity, and thousands of civilians remain trapped in conflict zones with no access to safety.
Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, described the situation as “a humanitarian nightmare,” emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to allow aid agencies to reach the most vulnerable populations.
“The people of Gaza cannot wait,” Griffiths said. “Every hour of delay costs more lives.”
In Washington, the Biden administration has faced mounting domestic pressure from progressive lawmakers and human rights groups who have urged a more forceful stance in favor of de-escalation. Several members of Congress, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, issued statements criticizing the veto as a moral failure.
“The United States should be leading efforts to stop the bloodshed, not standing in the way,” Sanders said.
Despite the setback at the UN, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Sources within the State Department indicate that U.S. officials are working to broker a bilateral agreement that would include temporary humanitarian pauses and guarantees for civilian protection.
However, without a UN-backed ceasefire, prospects for a durable peace remain uncertain. For now, the people of Gaza continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, as diplomatic wrangling plays out in New York.