The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, even as President Joe Biden faced mounting pressure to dial back support for Israel, AFP reports.
“Proceeding with a vote ton Tuesday was wishful and irresponsible… we cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy,” said Washington’s ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield while advocating an alternate resolution drafted by the US.
The UN Security Council has met to vote on a resolution brought by Algeria that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.
The US ambassador the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has already telegraphed her intention to veto this resolution.
Speaking before the Security Council, she said that if passed, Algeria’s resolution would work against negotiations taking place for a truce in Gaza.
“Any action this council takes should help and not hinder these sensitive and ongoing negotiations,” she said, “and we believe the resolution on the table right now would negatively impact these negotiations”.
Meanwhile, talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner-captive swap between Hamas and Israel continue despite big challenges, according to a Qatari foreign ministry spokesman.—AFP
