US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

The UN flag flies on a stormy day at the United Nations during the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

Sept. 18, 2025 - The United States once again vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas.

The 14 other members of the United Nations’ most powerful body voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory.

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UN votes to let Palestinian leader address General Assembly by video after US visa denial

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 26, 2024, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Sept. 19, 2025 - The United Nations General Assembly on Friday voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting of world leaders by video after the United States revoked his visa last month. The motion passed by a vote of 145-5, with six abstentions.

Abbas had hoped to attend a meeting next week called for by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia plan to recognize a Palestinian state.

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Portending Another Attack, Israeli Foreign Ministry Smears Sumud Flotilla as ‘Jihadist Initiative’

An activist waves a Palestinian flag from the bow of a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel en route to Gaza. (Photo: Tan Safi/Freedom Flotilla Coalition)

One journalist said that it “feels like the response is being set up to be more severe than in the past.”

After Hamas urged international support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday signaled another potential attack by claiming on social media that the peaceful humanitarian mission to feed starving Palestinians in the Gaza Strip “is a jihadist initiative serving the terror group’s agenda.”

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Efforts to punish Israel over Gaza grow in sports and cultural arenas

Pro-Palestinian protesters block the road in an attempt to disrupt the 21st stage of the Spanish cycling race La Vuelta, from Alalpardo to Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernández, File)

Sept. 19, 2025 - A major cycling race in Spain was disrupted by protests against an Israeli team. A basketball game in Poland was preceded by fans booing the Israeli national anthem. And several European countries are threatening to boycott a signature entertainment event if Israel takes part.

The global backlash against Israel over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza has spread into the arenas of sports and culture. Israel’s critics say it should be sidelined from international events just like Russia has been since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Gaza government: 900,000 Palestinians remain steadfast in Gaza City despite forced displacement, brutal bombing, and genocide

Displacement movement to and from Gaza City, September 2025 (Getty)

Sept. 20, 2025 - The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip issued a statement this Saturday afternoon monitoring and surveying the Palestinian situation and citizen movements as the occupation continues its incursion and expansion of its military operations in the Strip.

The Gaza government affirmed that "more than 900,000 Palestinians remain steadfast in Gaza City and its northern areas, categorically refusing to be displaced southward, despite the brutal bombardment and genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation as part of its ongoing 'forced displacement' crime, which violates all international laws and conventions."

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Gaza's child amputees: Families struggle to access rehabilitation services

The United Nations says no place on earth has more child amputees than Gaza.

Israeli attacks and a crippling blockade have left thousands without arms or legs and without proper treatment.

Among them is Noor Faraj, who lost both her legs when her home was hit.

Why does the US keep blocking UN Security Council resolutions on Gaza?

(27:25)

Washington uses veto power for sixth time to protect Israel.

The United States has blocked yet another United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for Israel to lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid.

Under the UN charter, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Update: The Global Sumud Flotilla has left Sicily headed for Gaza

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Al Jazeera reporter on road out of Gaza City as thousands flee

Eight months ago, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud stood on the road to Gaza City reporting on displaced Palestinians returning to their homes during the ceasefire. Today, he’s reporting on the thousands of Palestinians now using the road to flee the city under Israel’s forced displacement orders.

WHO warns hospitals ‘on the brink’ as Israel pushes Gaza City assault

Displaced Palestinians move with their belongings southwards on a road in the Nuseirat refugee camp area in the central Gaza Strip after renewed Israeli forced displacement orders for Gaza City on September 18, 2025 [Eyad Baba/ AFP]

Sept. 18, 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Gaza’s hospitals are on the “brink of collapse” as the Israeli military’s ground invasion pushes deeper into the besieged enclave.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that the Israeli assault, currently centred on Gaza City, is “driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfit for human dignity”.

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