US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release

The US has, for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said, the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the draft resolution- which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions. It comes as the UN’s humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry.