The United States used its veto in the UN Security Council for the sixth time, blocking a draft resolution that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
The other 14 member states voted in favor, calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza "catastrophic" and calling on Israel to lift restrictions on aid. But the United States said the text did not sufficiently condemn Hamas and did not recognize Israel's right to self-defense.
After the vote, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, called the decision "deeply painful," while representatives of Pakistan and Algeria spoke of a "dark moment" and publicly apologized to the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the situation in Gaza City is being described by the UN as "apocalyptic", with civilians continuing to flee under bombardment and advancing Israeli tanks. Since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 65,000 people have been killed, while hundreds more have died from hunger and malnutrition.
This development comes just days before the UN General Assembly, where several close US allies, including the United Kingdom, are expected to recognize the Palestinian state.
