By Mark DaCosta- The United States has once again used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to block a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This veto, which occurred on November 20, marked the fifth time the US has prevented the passage of a resolution demanding an end to the ongoing bloodshed in the region. The vetoed resolution, spearheaded by Guyana, sought to address the mounting humanitarian disaster in Gaza, calling for an unconditional ceasefire and the release of hostages. While the 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the resolution, the United States alone vetoed it.
In the context of the United Nations, a veto refers to the power of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — to block the adoption of a resolution, regardless of the number of votes in favour. This power of veto is a fundamental feature of the Security Council’s structure, and its use can prevent the passing of significant international measures, including those aimed at ending conflicts, addressing humanitarian crises, or enforcing international law.
The latest resolution, which was introduced by Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, was driven by the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. With more than 43,000 Palestinians already dead, the situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread famine, destruction, and displacement affecting millions. The Guyanese-drafted text urged for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to allow the delivery of essential aid and the protection of civilians. The resolution also called for the unconditional release of all hostages and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.
Officials stressed that the resolution was formulated after extensive consultations with other members of the Security Council, reflecting the deep concern over the situation in Gaza, especially in northern areas. The draft resolution aimed to prevent further loss of life, alleviate suffering, and provide a foundation for long-term peace. However, the US vetoed the measure, citing that the resolution’s demand for an “unconditional” ceasefire failed to address the issue of hostages held by Hamas.
“We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” said Robert Wood, the US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, during the session. While the resolution did include provisions for the release of hostages, the US position emphasised that a ceasefire must be tied directly to the hostages’ release, framing it as a non-negotiable condition for peace.
This veto has been part of a broader pattern under President Joe Biden’s administration, which has blocked similar resolutions four times since the start of the Israeli bombardment in Gaza. Biden’s stance has faced heavy criticism, especially as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. International rights groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace, have condemned the veto, accusing the US of enabling what they describe as “genocide” in Gaza by blocking ceasefire efforts while continuing to supply Israel with military aid. “That fact that they continue to parrot over and over again that they’re ‘working tirelessly’ for a ceasefire while simultaneously blocking efforts to reach a ceasefire and sending lethal weapons to the Israeli government … is a sick joke,” said Beth Miller, political director of the US-based advocacy group.
The United States’ actions at the Security Council have sparked frustration among other members. Majed Bamya, the deputy representative of the State of Palestine, voiced the sentiments of many, stressing that a ceasefire would save countless lives. “A ceasefire doesn’t resolve everything but it is the first step towards resolving anything,” Bamya said. He pointed out that the world should not become desensitised to the deaths of Palestinians or the suffering of their children, adding that the Security Council’s failure to act had effectively allowed Israel to continue its bombardment with impunity.
Algeria’s UN envoy, Amar Bendjama, also expressed his dismay at the US veto, noting that despite significant compromises during the resolution’s negotiations, the US had chosen to block all action. “Today’s message is clear, to the Israeli occupying power first: ‘You may continue your genocide, you may continue your collective punishment of the Palestinian people with complete impunity,” Bendjama stated.
For Guyana, which has long championed a ceasefire, the resolution was a crucial step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis and bringing an end to the violence. As one of the elected members of the UNSC, Guyana has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the need to uphold human dignity and prevent
further atrocities.
