U.S. Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Without Hostage Release

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday held a pivotal vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza — a resolution that notably made no mention of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. The resolution gained overwhelming support from 14 of the 15 member states, but was ultimately blocked by a veto from the United States.

Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, defended the decision before the vote, saying the resolution was “flawed from the start” for failing to condemn Hamas or call for its disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza.

“This resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground and embolden Hamas,” Shea said, reaffirming the U.S. position that any ceasefire must be tied to the unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza since October 7.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sharply rebuked the resolution and expressed gratitude to the United States for standing firm.

“I thank the United States for demonstrating moral clarity and leadership at the UN Security Council by vetoing the one-sided resolution against Israel,” Danon stated. “The resolution that was brought to a vote called for a ceasefire in Gaza without conditioning such a ceasefire on the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages — a gift to Hamas.”

Danon warned that such actions by the international body send a perilous message to terrorists worldwide: “Reject every proposal and the international community will reward you; hold innocent civilians hostage and the UN will grant you legitimacy.”

He emphasized that Israel would not back down: “As long as the hostages remain in Gaza, there will be no ceasefire. Israel will continue to apply military pressure and use all necessary means until every hostage is brought home.”

The vote comes amid heightened tensions over international efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Critics of the resolution say it risks legitimizing terror tactics by Hamas, while proponents argue that a ceasefire is critical to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Security Council session underscored the deep divisions among world powers over the path to peace in the region, with the U.S. holding firm that any resolution must include conditions to safeguard against further violence and hostage-taking.

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