The United States on Thursday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding Israel lift all restrictions on aid entering Gaza, marking the sixth American veto of a ceasefire-focused measure since the war began. The draft, sponsored by the 10 elected members of the Council, was backed by 14 of 15 members.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon blasted the text as “surrender,” noting it contained no condemnation of Hamas or its Oct. 7 massacre and no demand for the terror group to disarm. “For some members of the council, this is a performance. For Israel, this is a daily reality,” he said.

The resolution also demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages, but paired that with a call for an unconditional ceasefire and the full removal of Israeli restrictions on aid—a demand critics say would funnel resources to Hamas. Looting of UN aid in Gaza has been widely documented.

US envoy Morgan Ortagus said American opposition “should come as no surprise,” since the resolution “fails to condemn Hamas, legitimizes false narratives, and gives terrorists a lifeline.” Washington accused other Council members of pushing a resolution designed only to trigger a US veto.

Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said the American stance blocks progress on a Middle East settlement. But Washington again stood alone in Israel’s defense, insisting there can be no ceasefire until Hamas is removed and the hostages freed.

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