The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated. Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington's opposition to the resolution should come as no surprise.
It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefitting Hamas, she stated.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US's decision deeply regrettable and painful, saying it had prevented the Security Council from playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities. Other ambassadors also expressed disappointment, describing the veto as a dark moment.
This latest UN vote came just days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a focal point, with many key allies of the US, including the UK, expected to recognize an independent Palestinian state amid ongoing conflict.
The situation is exacerbated by Israeli military operations that began after a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and led to a continued humanitarian crisis in the region.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated. Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington's opposition to the resolution should come as no surprise.
It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefitting Hamas, she stated.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US's decision deeply regrettable and painful, saying it had prevented the Security Council from playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities. Other ambassadors also expressed disappointment, describing the veto as a dark moment.
This latest UN vote came just days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a focal point, with many key allies of the US, including the UK, expected to recognize an independent Palestinian state amid ongoing conflict.
The situation is exacerbated by Israeli military operations that began after a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and led to a continued humanitarian crisis in the region.
