Russia and China have vetoed a U.S. draft resolution in the United Nations calling for an ‘immediate and sustained’ ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution called for the halt in hostilities for roughly six weeks to protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said it was exceedingly politicized and contained an effective green light for Israel to mount a military operation in Rafah.
Eleven nations voted for the U.S.-backed resolution, which declared ‘the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire.’
Antony Blinken has landed in Israel as the UN prepares to vote on a US ceasefire proposal today
The vote came amid deteriorating conditions inside Gaza, where local officials say more than 30,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its war on Hamas following the October 7 attack inside Israel.
During three earlier UN votes demanding an end to the fighting, it was the U.S. exercising its veto through its permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv Friday amid ongoing talks to try to negotiate a temporary cease fire.
He met with Arab diplomats in Cairo, where he said an Israeli assault on Rafah, where more than a million people have gathered inside Gaza, would be a ‘mistake.’
Amid reports of widespread hunger and even famine amid continued attacks and struggles to organize aid distribution, European Leaders issued a statement calling ‘for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance.’
More to follow