The United States exercised its veto power on a United Nations resolution that called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza this Wednesday. The U.S. administration justified its decision by stating that the resolution failed to incorporate a condition for the immediate release of hostages who were taken by Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Israel, which escalated in October 2023.

In the UN Security Council’s proceedings, the resolution received overwhelming support with a vote of 14-1 from the council’s 15 members, all of whom were among the 10 elected representatives advocating for the motion. However, the resolution was ultimately blocked due to the veto from the United States.

The proposed resolution specifically demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire” that all involved parties would be expected to adhere to. Moreover, it reiterated the pressing need for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” currently held by Hamas.