The UN Security Council has rejected a US-sponsored resolution calling for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza.

It comes after permanent members Russia and China chose to veto a motion tabled on Friday.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN claimed the proposal was exceedingly politicised and would have effectively given the green light for Israel to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge.

Israel has been coming under increasing pressure to allow more humanitarian aid to reach over two million people in Gaza, and better protect civilians.

The draft had undergone “many rounds of consultations” with members of the 15-seat council, and marked a toughening of America’s stance towards Israel.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, said the resolution’s failure was “really outrageous and below the dignity of the UN Security Council”.

She added: “There are two deeply, deeply cynical reasons behind this vote. First, Russia and China still could not bring itself to condemn Hamas’s terrorist attacks on October 7.

Israel-Hamas war: US to call for ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ at UN Security Council

Israel-Hamas war: US to call for ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ at UN Security Council

Will Russia vote for US resolution on Gaza ceasefire?

“Russia and China refuses to condemn Hamas for burning people alive, for gunning down innocent civilians at a concert, for raping women and girls, for taking hundreds of people hostage.

“This was the deadliest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust – and a permanent member of this council can’t even condemn it.”

And Barbara Woodward, the UK’s permanent representative to the UN, warned: “Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis which will not improve until more aid can get into Gaza.

“So we are deeply disappointed that Russia and China were unable to support this council to clearly and unequivocally state the need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire.”

Washington had previously vetoed three draft resolutions since the war began – two of which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire.

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