UN Security Council (Except US) Demands Permanent Gaza Ceasefire Amid “Man-Made” Famine

New York — August 27, 2025

In an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council held on August 27, 2025, 14 out of 15 member states—excluding the United States—unanimously described the ongoing famine in Gaza as a “man-made crisis”, and called for urgent action to halt the deepening humanitarian catastrophe.

Diplomats at the session decried the use of starvation as a weapon of war, condemning it as a violation of international humanitarian law. They demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, an immediate surge in humanitarian aid, and a full reversal of Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery.

Trishala Persaud, Guyana’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, expressed deep alarm at official data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), highlighting that famine conditions had been officially confirmed for the first time in the Middle East, and warning that many victims are children.

Ondina Drobic of Slovenia echoed the urgency, urging Israel to reverse course, lift sieges, and halt planned ground offensives targeting Gaza City.

The United States abstained from the condemnation, with Ambassador Dorothy Shea challenging the credibility of the IPC’s figures and the claim of a man-made famine—but reaffirmed America’s concern over the humanitarian crisis and its intent to support aid efforts.

This unprecedented collective stance from nearly the full Security Council heightens international pressure on Israel and signifies growing global consensus: that the crisis in Gaza has transcended military conflict into a humanitarian emergency. The demands for a permanent ceasefire and unhindered aid may significantly strain diplomatic relations and shape future peace negotiations.