US vetoes Gaza cease-fire resolution at UN Security Council

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that the Biden administration said could undermine negotiations to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

The vote marked the third time the United States had used its veto to defend Israel at the UN body since Oct. 7, when the militants killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 240 others in southern Israel.

The administration has resisted calls for a permanent truce even as the casualties have mounted in the Palestinian enclave. The territory’s Health Ministry said Monday the death toll has surpassed 29,000.

Along with mediators Qatar and Egypt, the United States is seeking a six-week pause in the fighting to allow the release of the remaining hostages and boost humanitarian aid deliveries. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield warned the resolution could extend the hostages’ time in captivity.

“Proceeding with a vote today was wishful and irresponsible,” Thomas-Greenfield told council members. “We cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy.”

The resolution drafted by Algeria called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties.” It was backed by 13 of the council’s 15 members.

The United States, which holds veto power as a permanent member, voted against the resolution and the United Kingdom abstained.

Before the vote, the American delegation circulated a rival resolution seen by Al-Monitor that called for a “temporary cease-fire in Gaza” and warned Israel against launching a ground offensive in Rafah under the current conditions.  

Israel is preparing to launch an offensive on Gaza’s crowded border city of Rafah, where an estimated 1.4 million people — more than half the territory’s population — have sought shelter after four months of war.

This developing story has been updated since initial publication.