The United States of America has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for "humanitarian pauses" in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas to provide necessary assistance to millions of residents of the Gaza Strip, the UN press service reports.
The resolution, sponsored by Brazil, was widely supported and condemned any violence against civilians, including Hamas's "heinous terrorist attacks" against Israel.
According to the results of the UN Security Council vote, 12 members voted in favor, the United States voted against, and Russia and the United Kingdom abstained.
A "no" vote by any of the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States) suspends any measure submitted for its consideration.
It is noted that the United States will have to explain its veto to the 193-member UN General Assembly within 10 business days.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that the UN Security Council should allow ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those of US President Joe Biden, to first "get more facts on the ground." She also criticized the resolution for "not emphasizing Israel's right to self-defense."
She added that Biden is in the region engaging in diplomacy in hopes of protecting civilians, securing the release of hostages, and "preventing the conflict from spreading."
