US vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution despite unanimous Security Council support

The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on 20 November 2024, which called for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza.

The resolution also demanded the release of all hostages held by Palestinian groups.

The US was the sole member that rejected the measure, which received 14 votes in favour.

As a permanent council member, the US holds the power to veto any resolution, effectively blocking its adoption.

Robert Wood, the alternate US representative to the UN, stated that the resolution would have sent “a dangerous message to Hamas” by removing incentives to negotiate.

He emphasised the necessity of linking any ceasefire to the release of hostages. Earlier in the day, a US official had confirmed that Washington would veto the measure in its original form.

The resolution was a joint proposal by all ten elected members of the Security Council.

This approach stood in contrast to previous resolutions brought forward by individual member states.

Despite extensive negotiations, the US remained steadfast in its opposition to an unconditional ceasefire.

The Palestinian representative decried the veto as an enabler of continued violence, accusing Israel of committing widespread atrocities under the guise of security concerns.

He highlighted the devastating humanitarian toll in Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for a ceasefire as a moral and legal imperative.

Conversely, the Israeli representative defended the US veto, framing it as a necessary stand against terrorism.

He argued that Hamas’s actions, including holding hostages and using civilians as human shields, are the root cause of the conflict.

The representative criticised the resolution for failing to condemn Hamas explicitly, asserting that it would reward violence and undermine efforts to secure hostages’ release.

This veto marks the fourth instance of US opposition to ceasefire resolutions since the conflict began in October 2023. On each occasion, Washington has been the lone dissenting vote.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has spanned over a year, has resulted in a devastating human toll.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, over 43,900 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 103,000 injured.

Independent estimates suggest the death toll may exceed 100,000. These figures highlight the catastrophic impact of the conflict on civilian populations.

The Biden administration has provided consistent support for Israel’s military efforts, including diplomatic backing and military assistance.

However, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have made little progress.

Earlier this month, Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza negotiations, announced its intent to withdraw unless both Israel and Hamas committed to peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected ceasefire proposals, even those accepted by Hamas.

The Israeli government has maintained its stance, demanding conditions that align with its security objectives, while Hamas insists that any ceasefire must lead to a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

In one recent development, Hamas rejected a proposal involving a 30-day cessation of hostilities and the release of a limited number of Israeli captives. The group argued that such terms failed to address the broader occupation of Gaza.

As international efforts to mediate a truce falter, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. Analysts warn that the prolonged conflict risks exacerbating regional instability, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.