In brief
In a significant diplomatic maneuver, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages for the sixth time. US deputy envoy Morgan Ortagus criticized the resolution for not sufficiently condemning Hamas or acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself. This decision has drawn strong condemnation from other nations, highlighting the growing international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilian conditions are said to be 'catastrophic.'
The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognise Israel's right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the draft resolution - which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated. Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington's opposition to the resolution should come as no surprise.
After the vote, UN members reacted swiftly to express their disappointment. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US's decision deeply regrettable and painful, saying it had prevented the Security Council from playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities.
This latest UN vote came just days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly where Gaza will be a major topic and key American allies, including the UK, are expected to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and troops are continuing to advance into Gaza City on the third day of a ground offensive, forcing thousands of people to flee.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN's humanitarian office, told the BBC the situation in Gaza City is nothing short of cataclysmic.
Since the onset of the Israeli campaign in Gaza, in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, the region has witnessed immense casualties, with reports of over 65,000 people killed in the Israeli attacks according to the territory's health ministry.
