The United States has vetoed the UN Security Council resolution demanding an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire in Gaza.
This came after 14 members voted in favour of the document, which demanded the release of all hostages and the resumption of full-scale humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave.
Ten non-permanent members of the 15-seat council had put forth the resolution for a vote.
It was the first time since President Donald Trump took office that the council had considered a ceasefire resolution on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, according to a New York Times report.
The U.S. was the only member to vote against the measure, while the other 14 members of the council, including Russia, voted in favour.
The development has highlighted Washington’s isolation on the global stage over its policy of unconditional support of Israel.
“We believe this text reflects the consensus shared by all Council members that the war in Gaza has to come to an immediate halt, all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released, and civilians in Gaza must not starve and must have full and unimpeded access to aid,” a joint statement from the 10 non-permanent members said.
The statement was read by Slovenia’s ambassador to the UN, Samuel Zbogar, at the council meeting ahead of the vote.
Speaking on the move, Dorothy Shea, U.S. ambassador to the UN, revealed that the resolution would “undermine diplomatic efforts” to reach a ceasefire, adding that the UN has not labelled Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
“We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Ms Shea said.
According to the UN, the move came amid growing concern over the distribution of aid in Gaza, with more than two million people at risk of starvation after a total Israeli ban on shipments of food and other aid that lasted 11 weeks.
