Deputy United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus casts a veto as members of the UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 18, 2025. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)

The text, drafted by the elected 10 members of the 15-member council, would also have demanded the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. It received 14 votes in favor.

It was the sixth time the US had cast a veto in the Security Council over the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.

“Hamas is responsible for starting and continuing this conflict,” US diplomat Morgan Ortagus told the council before the vote, adding that the conflict “could end today” if Hamas freed the hostages and laid down its arms.