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Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the
United States has stood alone time and again in the United Nations Security
Council, wielding its veto power to block resolutions demanding an end to the
fighting and full humanitarian access. From the first draft introduced by
Brazil in the opening weeks of the war to the most recent effort spearheaded
by elected members in September 2025, Washington’s actions have highlighted
both its steadfast support for Israel and its growing diplomatic isolation.
The first veto came on October 18, 2023.
The Brazilian draft proposed humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid deliveries
and protect civilians. The result was 12 votes in favor, one against, and two
abstentions. Those voting in favor were Albania, Brazil, China, Ecuador,
France, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, and the United
Arab Emirates. The United States cast the lone “no.” The United Kingdom and
the Russian Federation abstained. American diplomats argued the text was
unbalanced, failing to acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself after
Hamas’s attacks.
October 18, 2023 – Vote Tally: 12 in favor, 1 against (United States), 2 abstentions (United Kingdom, Russian Federation).
United Nations: Brazil: draft resolution S/2023/773 PDF
United Nations: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9442 PDF
Israel-Gaza crisis: US vetoes Security Council resolution (UN News 10-18-23)
By December 8, 2023, with civilian casualties rising and humanitarian conditions deteriorating, the United Arab Emirates put forward a stronger draft demanding an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, and the release of hostages. The tally was 13 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Voting in favor were Albania, Brazil, China, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, Russia, and Malta. The United States stood alone in opposition, while the United Kingdom abstained. Washington’s delegation insisted the resolution was one-sided, omitting a clear condemnation of Hamas.
December 8, 2023 – Vote Tally: 13 in favor, 1 against (United States), 1 abstention (United Kingdom).
United Nations: United Arab Emirates draft resolution S/2023/970 PDF
United Nations: The situation in
the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9499 PDF
On February 20, 2024, Algeria
presented its own draft resolution, again calling for an immediate ceasefire and
the unconditional release of hostages. The Council voted 13 in favor, one
against, and one abstention. Those supporting were Algeria, China, Ecuador,
France, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Russia, Slovenia, and
Switzerland. The United States vetoed, while the United Kingdom abstained.
Algeria described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe requiring urgent
Council action, but Washington claimed the text could disrupt ongoing diplomatic
efforts.
February 20, 2024 – Vote Tally: 13 in favor, 1 against (United States), 1 abstention (United Kingdom).
United Nations: Algeria: draft resolution S/2024/173 PDF
United Nations: The situation in
the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9552 PDF
By November 20, 2024, frustration
among the ten elected members of the Council had reached a peak. They jointly
drafted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent
ceasefire, alongside the release of hostages. This time the tally was 14 in
favor, one against, and no abstentions. Every member—including Algeria, China,
Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Russia,
Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—voted in support.
The United States stood completely alone in opposition.
November 20, 2024 – Vote Tally: 14 in favor, 1 against (United States), 0 abstentions.
United Nations: The situation in
the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9790 PDF
The pattern repeated the following year. On
June 4, 2025, as warnings of famine intensified, the elected members
again introduced a text demanding a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of
restrictions on aid, and the release of hostages. The result was 14 in favor,
one against, and no abstentions. Voting in favor were Algeria, China, Ecuador,
France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Sierra
Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The United States once
again cast the only “no,” issuing a press release the same day describing the
resolution as “counterproductive.”
June 4, 2025 – Vote Tally: 14 in favor, 1 against (United States), 0 abstentions.
United Nations: The situation in
the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9929 PDF
Most recently, on September 18, 2025,
the Council considered another resolution from the elected members, echoing
earlier demands for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unhindered
humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of hostages. The result was
again 14 in favor, one against, and no abstentions. In favor were Algeria,
China, Denmark, France, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea,
the Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, and the United Kingdom.
The United States once more cast the lone veto, marking its sixth on Gaza
ceasefire measures since the war began.
September 18, 2025 – Vote Tally: 14 in favor, 1 against (United States), 0 abstentions.
United Nations: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.10000 PDF
Security Council: US
votes against resolution on Gaza ceasefire (UN News 9-18-25)
Although these six vetoes form an evident pattern,
there was one additional move worth noting. On April 18, 2024,
the United States blocked a draft recommending full UN membership for the State
of Palestine. That vote was 12 in favor, one against, and two abstentions. Those
backing the measure included Algeria, Brazil, China, Ecuador, France, Guyana,
Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The United States
vetoed, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstained.
April 18, 2024 (Palestine UN Membership) – Vote Tally: 12 in favor, 1 against (United States), 2 abstentions (United Kingdom, Switzerland).
United Nations Algeria: draft resolution S/2024/312 PDF
United Nations: Admission of new
members S/PV.9609 PDF
Throughout these episodes, the Security Council has
spoken with near unanimity in favor of a ceasefire, access to aid, and political
recognition. Yet on each occasion, one permanent member has stood apart. By
repeatedly exercising its veto, the United States has shielded Israel from
international censure while leaving the Council paralyzed in the face of
mounting humanitarian disaster. The record now stands as a stark chronicle of
isolation: six Gaza ceasefire drafts backed by nearly the entire world, and six
times Washington alone said no.