September 18, 2025 — The United States once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, drawing widespread condemnation and sparking protests outside UN headquarters in Manhattan.

The resolution, co-sponsored by all 10 elected members of the Council, received 14 votes in favor but was blocked by the US. It demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

A US representative defended the veto, arguing that the draft was “unacceptable” because it failed to condemn Hamas or acknowledge Israel’s “right to self-defense.”

Protests at the UN

Within hours of the vote, hundreds gathered outside the UN to denounce Washington’s decision. Protesters carried placards reading “Peace for Gaza” and “Not a Target,” calling for an end to the war and unrestricted humanitarian access.

The demonstration drew a diverse crowd: Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, US Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, and members of New York’s Hasidic Jewish community joined UN staff, activists, and ordinary New Yorkers in demanding peace. One rally, organized by UN employees themselves, highlighted growing frustration within the institution over US policy.

On the same day, internal documents revealed that both the US and Israel had sent complaint letters to UN leadership accusing staff of bias over their positions on Gaza, further fueling tensions.

Growing International Division

This was the sixth US veto of a Gaza-related resolution since the conflict erupted in October 2023. The move underscored the growing international isolation of Washington and Tel Aviv: just days earlier, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution supporting a two-state solution — a measure opposed only by the US and Israel.

With global outrage mounting, New York became a focal point of dissent, as protesters vowed to keep pressure on the US government until a ceasefire is achieved.

Photos by Anthony Donovan