UNITED NATIONS — The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution on Thursday that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The U.S. stated that the resolution did not adequately condemn Hamas. All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid delivery to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the region.

Morgan Ortagus, a senior U.S. policy adviser, expressed that the U.S. opposition was expected. She stated, "It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council." Ortagus also criticized other council members for ignoring U.S. warnings about the resolution's language, suggesting it was designed to provoke a veto.

This veto underscores the growing isolation of the U.S. and Israel on the global stage amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The vote occurred just days before the U.N. General Assembly's annual gathering, where Gaza is anticipated to be a significant topic. Major U.S. allies are expected to support the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, a move opposed by both Israel and the U.S.

The resolution, drafted by the council’s 10 elected members, aimed to highlight the "deepening of suffering" among Palestinian civilians. It reiterated demands for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups following their surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which initiated the current conflict.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., criticized the resolution, asserting it would not lead to the release of hostages or enhance regional security. He stated, "Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism."

The resolution also expressed "deep alarm" over a recent report indicating that Gaza City is facing famine, which could spread throughout the territory without a ceasefire and an end to humanitarian aid restrictions. Israeli forces have intensified their ground offensive in Gaza City, further complicating the situation and making a ceasefire less likely. The Israeli military aims to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities but has not provided a timeline for the operation, which could extend for months.

On the same day, independent experts from the U.N. Human Rights Council released a report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, urging the international community to intervene. Last week, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, calling on Israel to commit to establishing a Palestinian state.

The U.S. veto comes amid shifting public opinion in America, where about half of the population believes Israel's military response in Gaza has "gone too far," according to a recent survey. This figure has increased from 40% in November 2023. However, many Americans, particularly Republicans, are less inclined to prioritize negotiations for a ceasefire compared to earlier months when the U.S. was engaged in talks with Hamas.