The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognizing Israel's right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution - which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated. Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington's opposition to the resolution should come as no surprise. It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council, she said.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US's decision deeply regrettable and painful, saying it had prevented the Security Council from playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities.
This latest UN vote comes days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a major topic and key American allies, including the UK, are expected to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
In Gaza, thousands of people are continuing to flee the region amid ongoing deadly attacks as Israeli tanks and troops advance in ground offensives.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN's humanitarian office, described the situation in Gaza City as nothing short of cataclysmic. The campaign launched in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and further humanitarian crises in the region.
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