What's happened
On June 5, 2025, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, marking the fifth such veto since the conflict escalated in October 2023. The resolution aimed to address the humanitarian crisis and facilitate aid access, but the US argued it undermined diplomatic efforts and failed to condemn Hamas.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- The US veto reflects its unwavering support for Israel, prioritizing its ally's security over humanitarian concerns.
- The resolution's failure highlights the limitations of the UN Security Council, particularly when a permanent member wields veto power.
- Critics argue that the US's stance emboldens Hamas and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Implications:
- The veto may lead to increased international scrutiny of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
- Humanitarian organizations warn that the ongoing blockade and military actions could result in famine conditions for Gaza's population.
- Future resolutions in the UN General Assembly may seek to bypass the veto power, reflecting growing global discontent with the US's position.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the US was the only country to vote against the resolution, which called for an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire' in Gaza. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea stated that the resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts and embolden Hamas. In contrast, France's ambassador to the UN criticized the US for preventing the council from fulfilling its responsibilities, emphasizing the need for a unified international response to the humanitarian crisis.
Al Jazeera reported that the veto was the fifth since the conflict began, with the US maintaining that it would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas. This sentiment was echoed by The Times of Israel, which noted that Israel welcomed the US's decision, framing it as a necessary stance against terrorism. Meanwhile, The New Arab highlighted the growing international pressure on Israel to end its military operations, suggesting that the US's veto may further isolate it on the global stage.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Since then, Israel has conducted military operations in Gaza, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by severe restrictions on aid and escalating violence.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the US veto?
- How has the international community reacted to the veto?
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
Common question
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What is the UN Security Council's Role in the Gaza Crisis?
The UN Security Council is facing a critical moment as it prepares to vote on a resolution aimed at establishing a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access in Gaza. With the humanitarian crisis worsening and the likelihood of a U.S. veto, many are left wondering about the implications of this vote and the future of the region. Here are some common questions regarding the situation.
More on these topics
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Gaza may refer to:
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.