The United States delivered another blow to hopes for peace in the Middle East on September 18, 2025, when it vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Consequently, this marked the sixth such veto since the war erupted nearly two years ago, leaving 14 other Council members stunned and the global community divided.

The resolution, backed unanimously by the rest of the Council, urgently called for an end to hostilities, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries to Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. In addition, it labeled the enclave’s humanitarian crisis as “catastrophic,” pointing to confirmed famine in Gaza City and the collapse of civilian lifelines under Israel’s expanding ground offensive.

However, US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus defended the veto, arguing that the text failed to sufficiently condemn Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack and ignored Israel’s right to self-defense. As a result, Palestinian UN observer Riyad H. Mansour decried the outcome as a “death sentence” for civilians, while Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama emotionally urged forgiveness from Palestinians for the Council’s inability to act.

Global Outcry

This latest standoff unfolds just days before world leaders convene for the UN General Assembly, where Gaza dominates discussions and key US allies like the UK and France prepare to recognize a Palestinian state—a symbolic step fiercely opposed by Washington and Jerusalem.

Furthermore, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon praised the US action, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on September 29 to align on Gaza strategy. Yet, domestic US sentiment shifts; recent polls show nearly half of Americans now believe Israel’s response has “gone too far,” up from 40% in late 2023. Therefore, the veto not only stalls immediate relief but also amplifies calls for diplomatic pressure on both sides.

As protests erupt outside UN headquarters—with demonstrators chanting “Shame on you” at Ortagus—the death toll in Gaza surpasses 68,000, according to health authorities.