United Nations (Web Desk): The United States (US) has vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution, drafted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and backed by more than 100 countries, gained support from 13 of the 15 Security Council members, with Britain abstaining.
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority strongly condemned the US veto as the Palestinian health ministry put the latest death toll in Gaza at 17,487 people, mostly women and children.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh described the inability of the UN SC to pass a resolution and implement a ceasefire in Gaza as “a disgrace”.
"US's veto empowers Israel to continue “killing, destroying and displacing” Palestinians," he said.
France termed the US veto as failure of Security Council. Its envoy at the UN cleared that France is very concerned regarding the humanitarian tragedy taking place in Gaza.
Russian envoy to the body also blamed US for Security Council inaction so far.
Meanwhile, the veto was swiftly condemned by humanitarian groups, with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) saying the Security Council was "complicit in the ongoing slaughter".
On the other hand, at least ten more people have been killed in latest Israeli army attack on Khan Younis. The bombing targeted a family home in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis.