Russia and China Veto US Gaza Ceasefire Resolution at UN

Russia and China blocked a U.S.-sponsored United Nations Security Council draft resolution that would have called for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza tied to “the release of all remaining hostages.”

The Details: Algeria also voted against the resolution, eleven council members supported it, and Guyana abstained. Russian officials said the measure, which would have also condemned Hamas’ October 7 attack, was a “hypocritical spectacle” and an “effective green light” for Israel to invade the city of Rafah. The vote came as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East and said “gaps are narrowing” in hostage-ceasefire negotiations.

Key Quote: “Russia and China simply did not want to vote for a resolution that was penned by the United States,” U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “because they would rather see us fail than to see this council succeed.”

For Context: This marks the fifth time the U.N. body has failed to pass a resolution on the war in Gaza. The U.S. has rejected three such measures, including a recent Algeria-backed draft resolution calling on Israel to implement a ceasefire and mandating the unhindered flow of aid into Gaza. Thirteen council members backed the Algerian resolution, and the United Kingdom abstained. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage appeared to be less common in right-rated outlets on Friday morning. Al Jazeera (Lean Left bias) stood out by focusing on the resolution’s lack of a “demand” for a ceasefire.