United States vetoes UN Security Council demand for ceasefire in Gaza

(Patria) - The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an "immediate, unconditional and sustained ceasefire" between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza and unimpeded access for aid throughout the enclave, Reuters reported.

"The United States has been clear that we will not support any measures that do not condemn Hamas and call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza," acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the Council before the vote.

"This resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground and would embolden Hamas," she said of the text put forward by ten countries in the fifteen-member Council. The remaining fourteen members of the Council voted in favour of the draft resolution.

Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or sustained ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot remain in Gaza. It has renewed its military offensive in Gaza also seeking to free hostages held by Hamas since a two-month ceasefire ended in March.

Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed 45 Palestinians, and Israel said one soldier died in fighting. A humanitarian crisis is also gripping the enclave of more than two million people, with famine looming and aid only trickling in since Israel lifted an eleven-week blockade on May 19.

Ahead of the UN Security Council vote, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher again appealed for UN and humanitarian groups to be allowed to help people in Gaza, stressing they have a plan, supplies and experience.

"Open the crossings - all of them. Let life-saving aid in at scale, from all directions. Remove the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys are not held up by delays and denials," Fletcher said in a statement.

The UN has long blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering aid delivery in Gaza and its distribution across the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.