The United States' latest veto on a draft UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza is shocking, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Wednesday.
"It is shocking that the US has vetoed an effort to save the lives of Palestinians and Israelis. Though perhaps we should not be surprised about it," Nebenzia said during a UN Security Council meeting.
Earlier in the day, the United States on Wednesday vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
The draft resolution was put forward by the council’s 10 elected members (E10).
The document demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The draft text rejected "any effort to starve Palestinians" and demanded immediate access to humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.
The US cannot agree to an "unconditional" ceasefire in Gaza, Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said during a UN Security Council meeting.