U.N. Security Council fails to pass U.S. resolution calling for Gaza cease-fire

A U.S.-led resolution calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza failed to pass in the United Nations Security Council on Friday as Russia and China, who are permanent members, voted against the measure.

A U.S.-led resolution calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza failed to pass in the United Nations Security Council on Friday as Russia and China, who are permanent members, voted against the measure.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., said the resolution was exceedingly politicized and contained an effective green light for Israel to mount a military operation in Rafah.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., responded by saying that Russia and China “simply did not want to vote for a resolution that was penned by the United States.” She added that they would “rather see us fail than to see this council succeed even after inclusive consultations over weeks and weeks.”

The U.S. resolution stated that a cease-fire is imperative for the protection of civilians and to expand the distribution of aid to the more than 2 million Palestinians facing the threat of famine. It had no direct link to the release of those taken captive during Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. But “toward that end,” it would unequivocally support diplomatic efforts “to secure such a cease-fire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.”

The vote came as the U.S. is increasingly pressuring its ally over the situation in Gaza, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Israel on Friday for fraught talks likely to center on humanitarian aid and Israel's insistence on a ground assault on the overcrowded city of Rafah.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/un-security-council-cease-fire-resolution-us-rcna144556

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