Russia and several other states condemned the US veto, stressing that the resolution could have ended the ongoing bloodshed.
The United States on Thursday evening vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution, which was backed by 14 of the Council’s 15 members—including all ten elected members—was blocked after Washington cast its veto.
The text, submitted by the non-permanent members, demanded an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery. It also expressed alarm at the deepening civilian suffering, famine, and the intensified Israeli offensive on Gaza City.
US Ambassador to the UN, Morgan Artagus, defended the veto, claiming the resolution placed Israel and Hamas on the same footing and “ignored the reality on the ground.”
She asserted that Israel had agreed to end the war under certain terms, while Hamas had rejected them, insisting that Hamas must release detainees and “surrender immediately.” She also accused Hamas of obstructing aid deliveries and using civilians as “tools” to achieve its objectives.
⭕️LIVE: UNSC fails to adopt resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza after veto by the US. https://t.co/DzXDJtAFFC
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 18, 2025
Russia and several other states condemned the US veto, stressing that the resolution could have ended the ongoing bloodshed. Denmark’s representative, Christina Markus Lassen, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, underscored that famine in Gaza is a stark reality and called for immediate humanitarian access.
The Palestinian presidency expressed “regret and astonishment” at Washington’s obstruction, saying the veto only emboldens Israel to continue its crimes. Hamas denounced the US move as “blatant complicity in the crime of genocide,” praising the position of the ten countries that submitted the draft. It also urged pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who faces International Criminal Court charges including war crimes and genocide—to stop the aggression.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine likewise condemned the veto, describing it as a “green light” for continued massacres and destruction.
This marks the sixth time since the Gaza war began nearly two years ago that the United States has used its veto power to block ceasefire-related resolutions.
Disgusting! the UN is impotent. Grow a pole, then forcibly eject my US government and Israel from your halls. Only then can there be peace. If you don’t you are equally as complicit as Israelica. Stop talking about it, and get it done! WITHOUT America!
‘The US Congress is a Brothel! ‘Quote from the late Congressman from Ohio James TRAFICANT! Mr. Traficant was right on the MONEY! The Evil Agents of the Demonic Talmudic-Supremacist ZIONIST-TERROR State of Israel has prostituted all 3 Branches of OUR(?) Government! They are Serving the Zionist TERROR State of Israel, on the US-Domestic and International Stage!!