Official UN Security Council records

U.S. Sole Veto Blocks UN Call for Immediate, Unconditional Gaza Ceasefire Without Hostage Release Condition

Nov 20, 2024, 03:46 PM

On November 20, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that received 14 votes in favor, with only the U.S. opposing. The resolution called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The U.S. vetoed the resolution because it lacked a condition tying the ceasefire to the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood argued that supporting the resolution without this condition would send a dangerous message to Hamas. This marks the fourth time in the past 13 months that the United States has vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.