Russia vetoes UNSC resolution on Gaza, calling for immediate cease-fire
United Nations Security Council fails to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with Russia casting the sole veto.
The resolution, drafted by Kuwait and Indonesia, received 14 votes in favor. However, Russia vetoed the resolution, explaining that it did not adequately address the underlying causes of the conflict and failed to take into account the security concerns of Israel.
The United States, which has been pushing for a ceasefire, expressed disappointment over the veto.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that the resolution "was not perfect, but it was a good start." She added that the US would continue to work with its partners to achieve a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the region.
The Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, defended Russia's veto, saying that the resolution was "one-sided" and did not take into account the security concerns of Israel.
Nebenzya said that Russia believes that the only way to achieve a lasting peace in the region is through a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
The veto comes amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, which has killed over 200 Palestinians and 12 Israelis.
The violence began on May 10, when Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, fired rockets into Israel in response to Israeli police actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The Israeli government has said that it will continue to target Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza until the rocket fire stops.
Hamas has said that it will not stop firing rockets until Israel ends its blockade of Gaza and withdraws its forces from the territory.
The international community has condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said that the violence is "unacceptable" and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
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