The United States rejected a UN Security Council draft resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution supported by 14 other members of the Council urged unrestricted humanitarian aid as well as decried the starvation of Palestinians.

The draft – presented by 10 elected Council members, including Algeria, Guyana and Switzerland – called for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, to release hostages, allow access to humanitarian aid and to protect civilians and infrastructure in Gaza. It also called for complete implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735, on hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Despite wide support, US Deputy Envoy to the UN Robert Wood said, “The unconditional ceasefire in this resolution would have sent a dangerous message to Hamas” and that hostage releases were highlighted. “A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages,” insisted Wood, charging that Hamas blocked negotiations on a cease-fire.

The resolution underscored the critical humanitarian predicament in Gaza and called for the delivery of all essential aid and services to civilians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was tasked with assessing the needs within 90 days in Gaza, had the resolution passed.

Before the veto, Guyana’s ambassador to the UN Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett explained that such a resolution came after a week of negotiations and expressed urgent Council concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly the northern area.

Pattern of US Vetoes on Gaza

This is the fourth time that the US has vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Other vetoes came in October 2023, December 2023, and February 2024. Although the US has abstained on related resolutions, positions against unconditional ceasefires underscore alignment with Israel’s position in the conflict.

The veto has laid bare the division within the Security Council; this comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse.