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Israel-Gaza war
WorldMiddle East

China and Russia veto US-led UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire

  • The resolution, on which Algeria also voted no and Guyana abstained, called for a 6-week ceasefire that would allow for delivery of humanitarian aid
  • US ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China of vetoing resolution for ‘petty’ reasons, simply because it was written by US

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China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun speaks during a UN Security Council vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal at UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Photo: AFP
Reuters

The United Nations Security Council on Friday turned down a US-led resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal after Russia and China vetoed the measure proposed by the United States.

The resolution, on which Algeria also voted no and Guyana abstained, called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire lasting roughly six weeks that would protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian help.

Eleven members of the 15-member council voted for the resolution.

US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield in New York on Friday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield in New York on Friday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
The resolution reflected a toughening of Washington’s stance toward Israel. Earlier in the five-month-old war, the United States was averse to the word ceasefire and vetoed measures that included calls for an immediate ceasefire.

“The vast majority of this council voted in favour of this resolution, but unfortunately Russia and China decided to exercise its veto,” US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council.

She accused Russia and China of vetoing the resolution for “cynical” and “petty” reasons. She said they opposed it simply because it was written by the US and criticised both countries for not condemning Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.

“For all the fiery rhetoric, we all know that Russia and China are not doing anything diplomatically to advance a lasting peace or to meaningfully contribute to the humanitarian response effort,” she told the council after the vote.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in Tel Aviv for meetings with Israeli leaders, said Russia and China “cynically vetoed” the resolution.

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