The United States faces pressure in the upcoming United Nations Security Council vote on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following multiple vetoes.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on the latest call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. This move is supported by the majority of members, despite repeated U.S. vetoes.

10 non-permanent members of the Security Council began discussing this draft resolution in late August, after the United Nations officially declared a famine is occurring in the Gaza Strip.

A previous draft primarily called for the removal of barriers to humanitarian aid. However, diplomatic sources revealed that France, the United Kingdom, and Russia were skeptical about the effectiveness of a purely humanitarian resolution from a body tasked with maintaining world peace, and this draft could still be vetoed by the U.S.

    The new draft resolution will be voted on on September 18 (U.S. time), calling for opening the way for humanitarian aid and «demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, respected by all parties,» as well as the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.

    The U.S. has repeatedly opposed this approach, most recently in June when Washington used its veto power to support its ally Israel.

    A European diplomat shared that the latest effort would demonstrate a refusal to yield to the threat of a U.S. veto.

    They said: «If we don’t try, it makes things too easy for the U.S., as they won’t have to explain or face the other 14 members of the Security Council or the global public. It doesn’t help the Palestinian people on the ground much, but at least we continue to show that we are making an effort.»

    The previous U.S. veto sparked rare anger from the other 14 members of the Security Council. These members are increasingly expressing frustration over their apparent powerlessness to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza.

    On September 16, for the first time, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry determined that Israel had committed the crime of «genocide» in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 with the intent to «destroy» the Palestinian people.

    This issue is expected to be a focus at the upcoming annual United Nations conference in New York, USA, next week.

    The United Nations Security Council has a total of 15 members, including 5 permanent members (UK, USA, Russia, France, China) and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.

    The 5 permanent members (also known as the «P5») have greater power than the other 10 members, most notably the right to veto draft resolutions. Therefore, in some cases where the views of some P5 members differ, if one member vetoes, the draft resolution will not be passed.

    The UN investigation committee accuses senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of inciting Israel to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip.

    United Nations Security Council

    The United Nations Security Council is the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, established in 1945 following World War II. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Council addresses global threats, authorizes peacekeeping missions, and can impose sanctions to resolve conflicts.

    Gaza Strip

    The Gaza Strip is a small coastal territory on the Mediterranean Sea that has been a strategically important and densely populated region for millennia, ruled by various empires throughout its history. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, it was administered by Egypt until it was captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. Since 2007, it has been under the control of the Hamas militant group and subject to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade, making it a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    United Nations

    The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It was established to replace the ineffective League of Nations and is headquartered on an international territory in New York City. Today, it provides a forum for its 193 member states to address global issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, and sustainable development.

    France

    France is a Western European nation with a rich history spanning from ancient Gaul through the Frankish kingdoms, the powerful French monarchy, and the influential French Revolution. It is globally renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, as well as its profound contributions to art, philosophy, and cuisine. The country’s culture is deeply shaped by its historical role as a major global center of enlightenment, fashion, and gastronomy.

    United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation formed through the political union of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with its modern structure established by the Acts of Union in 1707 and 1800. It is a constitutional monarchy with a rich history as a global empire and a major centre of the Industrial Revolution. The UK is renowned for its influential culture, historic landmarks, and parliamentary system that has been emulated around the world.

    Russia

    Russia is a vast transcontinental nation with a rich history spanning over a millennium, from the medieval Kievan Rus’ state to the powerful Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. Its cultural landscape is defined by iconic sites like the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, and numerous historic Orthodox cathedrals.

    New York

    New York City, originally settled by the Dutch as New Amsterdam in the 17th century, grew into a major colonial port before becoming the first capital of the United States. It is now a global center of finance, culture, and commerce, renowned for iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and its distinctive skyline. The city’s history is defined by its role as a gateway for millions of immigrants, shaping its diverse and dynamic character.

    UN General Assembly

    The United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN, established in 1945 after World War II. It provides a forum for all 193 member states to discuss and work together on international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as peace, security, and development. Its annual general debate in New York is a prominent event where world leaders gather to address global challenges.