US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution on Israel and Gaza

On Wednesday, the United States exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council against a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated to the 15-member council after the vote, "We are on the ground doing the hard diplomatic work. We believe we need to allow this diplomacy to play its role until the end." She added, "Yes, resolutions are important. And it is true that this council must speak publicly. But the actions we take must be based on the facts on the ground and support direct diplomatic efforts. This can save lives. The council must recognize that." Meanwhile, Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said, "We have just witnessed once again the hypocrisy and double standards of our American colleagues." The vote was postponed twice over the past two days on the text drafted by Brazil amid U.S. attempts to mediate the entry of aid into Gaza. Twelve members voted in favor of the draft resolution today, while Russia and Britain abstained.