US blocks ceasefire call with third UN veto in Israel-Hamas conflict
(VOVWORLD) - The United States on Tuesday again vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict, blocking a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes the 15-member body to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
 Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip on December 1, 2023. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
Thirteen council members voted in favor of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained. It was the third U.S. veto of a draft resolution since the start of the current fighting on October 7.
Washington has also used its veto to block an amendment to draft resolution in December.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield signaled on Saturday that the US would veto the draft resolution over concerns it could jeopardize talks between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar that seek to broker a pause in the conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.