US Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution, Spotlight on UN Security Council Votes.
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza, marking the fourth instance since October 2023 where the Biden administration has blocked ceasefire-related resolutions.
Despite 14 members voting in favor, the resolution failed due to the US veto, leaving Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis unresolved.
The UNSC, comprising 15 members, operates under a system where resolutions require at least nine affirmative votes and no veto from its five permanent members (P5) — the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
The council also includes 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Over the 13 months of Israel’s war on Gaza, non-permanent members have shifted, reflecting varying regional perspectives.
Tracking the Gaza resolutions
Since October 2023, the UNSC has voted on 14 resolutions concerning Gaza, with only four securing approval. Key highlights include:
- October 16, 2023: Russia’s proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire and aid access garnered limited support, with only five votes in favor. It was blocked by the US, UK, France, and Japan.
- October 18, 2023: Brazil’s draft seeking humanitarian pauses and condemning civilian violence was vetoed by the US despite 12 supporting votes.
- October 25, 2023: Russia’s call to cancel Israel’s evacuation orders for northern Gaza faced vetoes from both the US and UK.
- November 15, 2023: A breakthrough occurred with Malta’s resolution advocating humanitarian corridors and aid access, which passed with 12 votes. The US, UK, and Russia abstained.
The involvement of non-permanent members has been crucial in shaping the discussions. Countries like Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique have consistently backed ceasefire proposals.
Notably, a collective effort from the 10 elected members in November 2024 resulted in a draft urging a phased ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and a long-term plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. However, this too fell short of implementation.
