US vetoes UN resolution backed by many nations demanding immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza

By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States has vetoed a United Nations resolution backed by almost all other Security Council members and many other nations demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. Supporters called it a terrible day and warned of more civilian deaths and destruction as the war goes into its third month. The vote in the 15-member council on Friday was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood criticized the council after the vote for its failure to condemn Hamas’ attacks in Israel and to acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself. He declared that halting military action would allow Hamas to continue to rule Gaza and “only plant the seeds for the next war.”