The United States once again shielded Israel at the UN Security Council by vetoing a resolution that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the lifting of all restrictions on aid, and the unconditional release of hostages. The veto came despite overwhelming support—14 out of 15 members backed the draft—and amid evidence that Israel’s blockade and attacks have driven Gaza into famine.

Israel’s Expanding Offensive

As Israel intensified its assault on Gaza City, civilian suffering deepened dramatically. “Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians,” Denmark’s UN envoy told the Council, describing it as a “humanitarian and human failure” that forced action. Israel’s bombardment and siege policies have left the enclave in ruins, with local authorities reporting more than 64,000 Palestinians killed—most of them civilians.

The Famine Created by Siege

International monitors confirmed that famine is not a projection but a current reality in Gaza, the direct outcome of Israel’s blockade on food, fuel, and medical supplies. Aid agencies and diplomats have repeatedly stressed that the deliberate restriction of aid has weaponized hunger, turning Gaza into a landscape of mass starvation.

UN Resistance and U.S. Protection

Despite the clear humanitarian emergency, Washington once more provided Israel with diplomatic cover. The U.S. justified its veto by shifting blame onto Hamas, ignoring the devastation caused by Israel’s tactics of collective punishment. This starkly contrasts with the position of nearly every other Council member, who recognized that Israel’s actions were driving Gaza toward collapse.

Escalating Toll and Political Defiance

Israeli officials admitted discomfort with rare UN criticism—such as a Council statement condemning airstrikes on Qatar—but boasted that U.S.–Israeli cooperation remains “very high.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to use his upcoming U.S. visit to reinforce that alliance, even as global outrage mounts. Meanwhile, Israel continues its deadly campaign, showing no sign of halting its bombardment or lifting the siege.