Regional Studies Center

Regional Studies Center at the University of Mosul organized a seminar delivered by Prof. Dr. Imad Khalil Ibrahim under the title “The United States’ Use of the Veto Against a Ceasefire in Gaza”, held on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

The seminar focused on the 10,000th session of the UN Security Council, during which 14 out of 15 members voted in favor of a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. However, the United States vetoed the resolution, blocking its adoption. Prof. Ibrahim explained that the veto is not explicitly enshrined in the UN Charter, but rather was introduced through post–World War II agreements among major powers, granting the five permanent members extraordinary privileges alongside permanent seats.

The speaker highlighted historical statistics on the use of the veto, noting that it has been exercised 265 times between 1946 and September 2025, including 94 times by the United States—51 of which targeted issues related to Palestine, representing 54% of its total usage. He also examined the legal and political implications of the veto, stressing that its misuse has undermined the credibility of the UN, hindered collective security efforts, and obstructed the protection of human rights, particularly in major conflicts.

In conclusion, participants called for substantial reforms in the structure of the Security Council to ensure fair representation and limit the abuse of the veto, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals—most notably Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16), Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17), as well as direct links to No Poverty (1), Good Health and Well-being (3), Quality Education (4), Gender Equality (5), and Climate Action (13).

The seminar concluded that the continued use of the veto in such a manner threatens international peace and security and undermines the very purpose for which the United Nations was established.