US vetoes UN ceasefire resolution amid Gaza conflict

On June 5, 2025, the United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a resolution that sought an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. This marked the first vote on the issue by the 15-member council since November 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the resolution was ‘counterproductive’ and emphasized support for Israel's right to defend itself while rejecting any text that equated Israel with Hamas. The veto drew widespread criticism from various countries and international bodies, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prior to the veto, the situation in Gaza had deteriorated significantly, with UN officials warning that the entire population was at risk of famine due to blocked aid and ongoing military actions. The draft resolution called for not just an immediate ceasefire but also the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, which intensified the need for urgent humanitarian assistance. Despite this, the U.S. maintained that the resolution undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts and that it would not support actions seen as biased against Israel. Further repercussions of the veto were seen as leaders and diplomats from multiple nations expressed their outrage. Pakistan’s ambassador criticized the veto as a moral stain on the U.S., and China's representative pointed to the obstructionist role of the U.S. in the council as a significant factor preventing the resolution of the Gaza conflict. As various countries indicated their plans to address the ceasefire issue in other forums, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s position and sought to frame the resolution as politically motivated rather than a humanitarian necessity. Following the veto, Palestinian authorities indicated intentions to bring the resolution before the General Assembly, where amendments could be made without the possibility of a veto from the U.S. However, Israeli representatives dismissed this move as futile, insisting that such actions do not contribute to humanitarian relief and only served political agendas. The geopolitical implications of this veto are likely to resonate long into the future as tensions in the region continue to escalate, particularly in light of humanitarian needs and the ongoing conflict's toll on civilians in Gaza.