Yesterday (Wednesday), the United States vetoed a resolution brought before the UN Security Council that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal was submitted by ten non-permanent member states of the Council. This marked the first major vote concerning the Gaza war since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.
Immediate, Permanent, and Unconditional Ceasefire & Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
The main points of the resolution expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, including the risk of famine, and called on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law. The resolution supported an immediate and permanent ceasefire, based on the principles of Resolution 2735, which includes the release of all hostages, prisoner exchanges, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and the implementation of a comprehensive reconstruction mechanism.
The resolution’s sponsors argued that an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire is necessary from all sides, regardless of the hostage issue. It also called for the removal of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the UN and its partners to be allowed to operate freely on the ground.
A Prize for Hamas Terrorism
The U.S. representative stated during the session: “Instead of passing a declarative resolution that only rewards Hamas terrorism and undermines efforts to achieve an agreement, the focus should be on ensuring that Hamas does not remain in power.”
She added: “Last weekend, Hamas rejected a proposal that would have led to a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages. It’s inconceivable that some members here do not understand that Hamas could immediately end the war by laying down its arms. The resolution promotes a so-called ‘immediate and permanent ceasefire’ that would allow Hamas to carry out another October 7. Proposals intended merely to provoke a veto are disgraceful. The Council must do better.”
This Is Not Diplomacy – This Is Surrender to Terror
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon responded: “I thank the United States for showing moral clarity and leadership in the UN Security Council and for vetoing the one-sided resolution against Israel.”
He emphasized that a call for a ceasefire is a gift to Hamas: “The resolution that was brought for a vote, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza without clearly conditioning it on the release of the hostages, is a gift to Hamas. It sends a dangerous message: Reject every offer, and the international community will reward you. Hold civilians hostage, and the UN will give you legitimacy. This is not diplomacy – this is surrender to terror. As long as hostages are held in Gaza – there will be no ceasefire. Israel will continue to apply military pressure and act by all means until all hostages are returned.”
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Israel
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also addressed the vote in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “I thank President Trump and the U.S. administration for vetoing the one-sided decision at the UN Security Council and for standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel. The resolution that was proposed only strengthens Hamas and undermines American efforts to secure a deal for the release of the hostages.”
