The United States has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The vote took place on Wednesday, June 5, with 14 members voting in favor and only the US voting against it. This has triggered strong reactions from several countries and international groups.
The blocked resolution demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It also asked for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Another key point was the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, which many experts say is urgently needed.
This vote was the first time the UN Security Council had taken action on the Gaza war since November 2023. At that time, the US had also used its veto power to stop a similar proposal that called for an end to the fighting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the US opposed the resolution because it did not support ongoing peace efforts. He said the resolution treated both Israel and Hamas as equals, which Washington does not accept. The US believes Israel has a right to defend itself and argues that a ceasefire should only happen if hostages are released and if Hamas is no longer able to carry out attacks.
The veto was met with frustration from other countries. Many members of the Security Council said the resolution was fair and balanced. They argued that a ceasefire is urgently needed to stop the suffering of civilians and to allow humanitarian aid to reach people in Gaza.
The militant group Hamas reacted strongly to the veto. They called the US action disgraceful and accused the United States of supporting violence and human suffering in Gaza. Hamas claimed that the veto allows Israel to continue its attacks and increases the suffering of ordinary people. Israel, however, rejects any accusations of wrongdoing. Israeli officials say their military campaign is aimed at stopping Hamas after the group attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023.
The ongoing war has already caused tens of thousands of deaths. Many people in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes. Supplies of food, clean water, and medical care are running low. Hospitals and schools have also been damaged in the fighting.
United Nations humanitarian agencies have issued several warnings. They say the situation in Gaza is worsening rapidly. Some parts of the region are even facing famine-like conditions. The World Health Organization and the UN humanitarian office have called for urgent action. They are asking for full access to deliver aid and medical support to people in need.
Around the world, pressure is building on the United States to change its position. In many cities, people have protested against US military support for Israel. International groups and several governments have urged Washington to help end the violence.
Despite the US veto, other members of the UN Security Council say they will not give up. Talks are expected to continue. There is a chance that a new resolution could be introduced soon. Countries supporting the ceasefire plan say they will keep working to find a peaceful solution.
For now, the crisis in Gaza continues. More than 35,000 people are believed to have died since the war began in October. Many more are injured, missing, or without shelter. Humanitarian groups say that every day without a ceasefire brings more pain and suffering.
The global community remains divided on how to bring an end to the conflict. The United States says it wants a peaceful solution but only if certain conditions are met. Other countries argue that delaying a ceasefire only makes the situation worse.
