U.S. blocks U.N. Security Council resolution demanding Gaza cease-fire

The U.S. exercised its veto on the U.N. Security Council Friday to block a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The 13-1 vote in favor of the motion, with Britain abstaining, reflects the growing global pressure on both Israel and the United States as the civilian toll from the Gaza fighting grows by the day.

Israel agreed to a temporary cease-fire late last month to allow an exchange of hostages held by Hamasfor Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, but argues that another, open-ended cease-fire would only allow Hamas fighters to re-group and re-arm.