U.S. Blocks UN Ceasefire Resolution on Gaza, Citing Security Concerns

On June 4, 2025, the United States exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, supported by all 14 other Security Council members, emphasized the severe humanitarian crisis in the region and called for the removal of aid delivery restrictions.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, justified the veto by stating that the resolution was flawed because it did not condemn Hamas, nor did it require the group to disarm or exit Gaza. Shea emphasized the need for any ceasefire agreement to be contingent upon the release of hostages held by Hamas and the explicit condemnation of Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The veto has drawn significant criticism from other Security Council members. Chinese Envoy Zhang Jun expressed "strong disappointment and dissatisfaction," stating that the U.S. veto sends a wrong message and pushes the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous one. Similarly, France's UN envoy Nicolas de Riviere expressed regret that the resolution could not be adopted, given the disastrous situation in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Over 54,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, with ongoing disruptions to aid delivery due to concerns over Hamas diverting supplies. The conflict, which began with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to significant casualties and hostages.

In response to the U.S. veto, the Palestinian representative announced plans to bring a similar resolution to the U.N. General Assembly. While such a resolution would not be legally binding, it would serve as a reflection of global opinion on the crisis.

This veto marks the fifth instance since the onset of the conflict that the U.S. has blocked a ceasefire resolution concerning Gaza. The decision has intensified international criticism and raised questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. As the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, the global community remains divided on the path forward.