Global Outcry After US Veto Blocks UN Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire
HAMILTON, Canada – Slovenia, which spearheaded a United Nations Security Council initiative demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, voiced strong disapproval after the United States vetoed the resolution on Wednesday — a decision that blocked a move supported by 14 of the Council’s 15 members.
“It was never our intention to provoke a veto,” said Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Žbogar following the vote. Slovenia presented the resolution on behalf of the ten elected (non-permanent) members of the Security Council, collectively known as the E10.
Žbogar emphasized the humanitarian nature of the resolution, noting that it aimed to address urgent civilian needs. “Starving civilians and inflicting immense suffering is inhumane and against international law. No military goal can justify such actions,” he said.
He added that the draft was shaped with awareness of differing views within the Council and focused solely on humanitarian concerns. Without directly naming the US, Žbogar stated, “A veto prevented the Council from taking action today.”
Despite the setback, he maintained that the resolution reflected widespread international support for the UN and humanitarian partners working to deliver aid to Gaza.
“Enough of civilian suffering. Enough of using food as a weapon. Enough is enough,” he declared.
Algeria’s UN envoy, Amar Bendjama, hailed the E10 as “the proud bearer of moral legitimacy” and said the resolution reflected the collective will of nations from all regions.
Global Responses: China, Russia, Pakistan Condemn Veto
China’s UN representative, Fu Cong, expressed deep disappointment, accusing the US of misusing its veto power and extinguishing hopes for over two million people in Gaza. “Where is fairness and justice?” he asked, urging Washington to “abandon political calculations.”
Russia’s Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia thanked the elected members and described the resolution as “timely and necessary.” He said the vote exposed who seeks peace and who is engaged in “political games.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called the US veto “another low point in the Council’s history” and described it as “a green light for continued annihilation.” He warned that the move sent a dangerous signal, devaluing Palestinian lives and undermining the very purpose of the Security Council.
“This is no longer a humanitarian crisis — it is a collapse of humanity and international law,” Ahmad said.
UK and Denmark Join in Support of Gaza Ceasefire
The United Kingdom also supported the resolution. Ambassador Barbara Woodward criticized Israel’s aid restrictions as “unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive,” adding that Palestinians are dying while trying to access limited humanitarian assistance.
Denmark’s envoy, Christina Markus Lassen, said her country co-sponsored the resolution to emphasize the urgent need for unified international action.
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