US vetoes a United Nations resolution to end cease-fire in Gaza

The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution seeking an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, despite strong support from nearly all other Security Council members.

The UN vote ended with a 13-1 outcome with the United Kingdom abstaining, which would have required a cease-fire yet the United States stood alone, blocking the resolution.

The U.S. veto reflects a growing divide between the country and some of its closest allies concerning Israel’s consistent attack on Gaza. Concerns are raised about the potential for increased civilian casualties and heightened destruction as the attack on Gaza enters its third month.

The United States, along with four other countries (China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France), possesses the power of veto as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. This power was established as part of the UN Charter, which was adopted in 1945. The intention behind granting veto power to these five nations was to ensure that no single country or a small group of nations could dominate the decision-making process within the Security Council, thus promoting a more balanced and stable international order.

Notable nations, including France and Japan, expressed disagreement with the U.S. stance.