The United States on 18 September vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel’s lifting of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
The remaining 14 Council members supported the resolution, initiated in August in response to the UN’s official declaration of famine in Gaza after nearly two years of Israel’s war with Hamas (recognised as a terrorist group in the EU and the US).
The draft, drafted by ten elected members of the Security Council, also called for the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.
“Let this resolution send a clear message, a signal that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on hostages and on the demand for a ceasefire,” said Denmark’s ambassador to the UN, Christine Lassen.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, responded by emphasising that “resolutions against Israel will not free the hostages or bring security to the region.” Israel categorically rejects the accusations against it of artificially inducing famine and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
“The United States rejects this unacceptable resolution. It is time for Hamas to immediately release all hostages without exception and surrender unconditionally. The United States will continue to work with its partners to end this terrible conflict,” said U.S. Representative Morgan Ortagus.
This is the sixth time the US has vetoed Security Council draft resolutions during the armed conflict in the Gaza Strip, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023.