Russia and China vetoed a US-sponsored UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, Associated Press reports.
The resolution, which received 11 votes in favor, three against, and one abstention, linked the cease-fire with the release of hostages and aimed to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the wording and accused the US of pursuing political agendas and misleading the international community.
The final draft eliminated language that stated that Israel’s offensive into Rafah “should not proceed under current circumstances,” instead it says that a ground offensive into Rafah “would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement, potentially into neighboring countries, and would have serious implications for regional peace and security.”
The veto marks another instance of international deadlock over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the US previously vetoing ceasefire resolutions for not demanding the release of hostages.
