International Relations
UN Security Council fails to adopt resolution on Gaza ceasefire amid US veto
What happened
The United Nations Security Council on 14 August 2026 failed to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza after the United States exercised its veto power. The draft resolution, proposed by Egypt and supported by France and China, received 13 votes in favor but was blocked by the US, which cited concerns over hostage negotiations and regional stability.
Key facts
bullet: The resolution was proposed by Egypt and co-sponsored by France and China.
bullet: The vote tally was 13 in favor, 1 against (US), and 1 abstention (Russia).
bullet: The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
bullet: The US cited ongoing hostage negotiations and regional stability concerns as reasons for the veto.
bullet: The UNSC has met multiple times in 2026 to address the Gaza conflict, with no breakthroughs yet.
Context
bullet: UN Security Council (UNSC) is the UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with 15 member states, including 5 permanent members with veto power. bullet: The Gaza conflict has been a recurring issue in the UNSC, with multiple resolutions proposed and vetoed over the years. bullet: Veto power allows any of the 5 permanent members (US, UK, France, Russia, China) to block UNSC resolutions, even if all other members support them. bullet: The US has historically used its veto to protect Israel in UNSC votes related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.