US Vetoes UN Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution Amid Diplomatic Push

The United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a resolution proposed by Algeria that demanded an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The draft resolution, which was supported by 13 of the 15-member council, with the United Kingdom abstaining, aimed to establish a six-week pause in fighting, ensure the free flow of humanitarian aid, and prevent the forced relocation of Palestinians.

The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized the resolution as being unrealistic and irresponsible, advocating instead for a temporary ceasefire that would include the release of over 100 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The United States, which had previously indicated it would veto the Algerian proposal, has proposed its own draft resolution in favor of a temporary halt to the hostilities.

This U.S. veto comes amid growing international calls for a cessation of violence in the region and concerns over an impending Israeli offensive on the Gazan city of Rafah, an area densely populated with Palestinians who have fled from other conflict zones within Gaza. The conflict, which began with a surprise invasion by Hamas into southern Israel, has resulted in over 29,000 Palestinian casualties over the course of four months. The U.S. has consistently vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for ceasefires in Gaza, citing a need to address the reality on the ground and condemning Hamas for its actions during the conflict.