The resolution, backed by nations like Algeria, Denmark, and Slovenia, also called for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza. However, the U.S. argued it couldn’t support a ceasefire without a clear condemnation of Hamas and a demand for the group to disarm and leave Gaza. This decision, therefore, has left many frustrated, especially as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.
Why Did the U.S. Veto the Resolution?
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, spoke passionately before the vote. “The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” she said. She emphasized that an unconditional ceasefire might undermine efforts to broker a lasting peace. Consequently, the U.S. believes linking a ceasefire to hostage release is vital for a durable solution.
Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, echoed this, saying, “You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror.” Israel insists that Hamas, responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, must be eliminated for stability. On the other hand, Hamas condemned the U.S. veto, calling it a sign of “blind bias” toward Israel.
Global Reaction: Anger and Disappointment
The veto has sparked anger across continents, from Asia to Europe and beyond. Britain’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, called Israel’s actions to expand military operations and restrict aid “unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive.” Similarly, Slovenia’s UN Ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, pleaded, “Enough of suffering of civilians. Enough of food being used as a weapon. Enough is enough is enough.”
Hamas, in a fiery statement, accused the U.S. of enabling Israel’s “genocidal war” in Gaza. Meanwhile, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher begged for action, saying, “Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions.” He stressed that the UN and aid groups have the plans, supplies, and experience to help, but face delays and denials.
The Crisis in Gaza: A Dire Picture
The war, raging since 2023, began after Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel, killing 1,200, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s response—a military campaign—has claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives, per Gaza health authorities, with many more buried under rubble. Famine looms as aid trickles in, despite Israel lifting an 11-week blockade in May 2025.
For instance, on June 4, 2025, Israeli strikes killed 45 people, Gaza officials reported, while Israel confirmed one soldier died in combat. Mourners gathered at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, grieving loved ones lost to the violence. The image below captures the heartbreak:
Mourners gather during the funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes at Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza City, June 4, 2025. (REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas)
Aid Efforts: A Battle of Systems
Under global pressure, Israel allowed limited UN-led aid deliveries to resume on May 19, 2025. However, a new U.S.- and Israel-backed system, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), began a week later. This group uses private U.S. security and logistics firms to deliver aid to “secure distribution sites.” The GHF claims to have distributed over seven million meals since starting.
But the UN and aid groups refuse to work with the GHF, calling it non-neutral and accusing it of militarizing aid and forcing Palestinian displacement. On Tuesday, a deadly incident near a GHF site halted distributions on Wednesday. The GHF urged Israel to guide foot traffic, clarify civilian guidance, and train soldiers to protect people.
Data: The Toll of the Conflict
Here’s a snapshot of the crisis, based on reports from Gaza health authorities, Israel, and the UN:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Start of War | October 7, 2023 |
| Israeli Deaths | 1,200 (Hamas attack, per Israel) |
| Palestinian Deaths | 54,000+ (Gaza health authorities) |
| Hostages Taken | 250 (by Hamas, 2023) |
| Aid Delivered | 7M+ meals (GHF, since May 2025) |
| Population Affected | 2.1M in Gaza, facing famine risk |
Below, we’ve charted the rising death toll and aid efforts to show the scale of this tragedy:
Highlighted Insight: The death toll has surged past 54,000, while aid struggles to meet the needs of 2.1 million people in Gaza, per UN and local reports.
What’s Next? A Global Push Continues
Despite the veto, a similar resolution is expected in the UN General Assembly, where no country holds veto power. Diplomats predict it could pass, signaling global frustration. However, Israel’s Danny Danon warned, “Don’t waste more of your time, because no resolution, no vote, no moral failure, will stand in our way.”
At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), accessible at america112.com, we’re committed to keeping you informed. The U.S. insists it’s pushing for a diplomatic solution, but Hamas has rejected multiple ceasefire deals, complicating talks. For more on this, check out Reuters’ coverage here.
Why This Matters to You
This veto affects millions, from families in Gaza to policymakers in India, the USA, and beyond. The crisis touches every continent, raising questions about peace, aid, and justice. For readers of all ages—whether in New Delhi, Washington, or anywhere else—this is a call to understand the stakes. Hunger, loss, and hope hang in the balance.
A Deeper Look: The Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza is dire. Famine threatens 2.1 million people, and aid delivery faces hurdles. The UN blames Israel and local lawlessness for blocking supplies. For example, after a two-month truce ended in March 2025, Israel resumed its offensive, intensifying the chaos. Gaza health officials report civilians bear the brunt, with thousands trapped under debris.
The U.S. and Israel back the GHF, but critics argue it’s flawed. “No one wants to see Palestinian civilians go hungry or thirsty,” Dorothy Shea said, yet the UN insists traditional channels—like the United Nations and Red Crescent—are better suited. As a result, tensions between rival aid systems grow, leaving people in need.
Voices From the Ground
Imagine being a parent in Gaza, searching for food amid rubble. Or a child, displaced, with no safe place to go. These stories fuel global outrage. “Enough is enough,” Slovenia’s Zbogar told the council, capturing the world’s exhaustion. Meanwhile, Israel argues that Hamas’s presence ensures more conflict, a view the U.S. supports.