NEWS
7June
Photo courtesy of AlJazeera
U.S. Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire
- Jun 7, 2025
- Gandhi Kinjiyo
- HITS: 704
The resolution, detailed on the official UN website, was co-sponsored by all ten elected members of the Council (the E-10): Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. It demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza” and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
The draft expressed grave concern over the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza, citing the near-total blockade of aid and the increasing risk of famine. It urged the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian access and the restoration of essential services, in accordance with humanitarian principles and prior Security Council resolutions.
The resolution also reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. It supported mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at implementing the phased ceasefire framework outlined in resolution 2735 (2024), which includes a permanent cessation of hostilities, prisoner exchanges, a full Israeli military withdrawal, and long-term reconstruction in Gaza.
Speaking before the vote, acting U.S. Representative Dorothy Shea described the draft as “unacceptable,” stating that it lacked a clear condemnation of Hamas and failed to require the group’s disarmament and withdrawal. “We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Shea said.
She further argued that Hamas had rejected multiple ceasefire proposals, including one offered just days earlier. “We cannot allow the Security Council to award Hamas’ intransigence,” she added.
The vote came amid growing warnings from UN officials about the deepening humanitarian crisis. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher stated: “The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza?while simply trying to eat,” referring to widespread shortages, displacement, and the collapse of health services.
This marks yet another deadlock in the Security Council as global pressure mounts for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
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