Overview

• The draft from the Council’s 10 elected members called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian relief.
• U.S. delegate Morgan Ortagus said Washington opposed the text because it did not condemn Hamas or acknowledge Israel’s right to self‑defense, arguing it validated false narratives.
• The vote marked the sixth U.S. veto on Gaza-related resolutions since 2023 during a session that was the Security Council’s 10,000th meeting.
• Palestinian and Arab representatives decried the veto as damaging to the Council’s credibility, while China accused the U.S. of abusing veto power; the UK explained its vote in favor citing urgent humanitarian needs and the imperative to free hostages.
• UN members and humanitarian monitors described conditions in Gaza as catastrophic, with confirmed famine in parts of Gaza City and an intensified Israeli offensive worsening civilian suffering.