Russia, China veto US resolution at UN Security Council calling for Gaza ceasefire tied to hostage deal

The United Nations Security Council fails to pass a resolution calling for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza for around six weeks as part of a hostage deal after Russia and China, who are permanent members, vote against the measure proposed by the United States.

The resolution called for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” lasting roughly six weeks that would protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and condemned the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas.

Moscow accused Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, says it is exceedingly politicized and claims it contains an effective green light for Israel to mount a military operation in Rafah. However, the resolution explicitly warns against Israel launching a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city.

The Russian veto appeared to be at least a partial extension of Moscow’s rivalry with the US, which has peaked since the invasion of Ukraine.

Today’s resolution marked a further toughening of Washington’s stance toward Israel. Earlier in the five-month-long war, the US was averse to the word ceasefire and vetoed measures that included calls for an immediate ceasefire.