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Russia and China on Friday blocked a resolution in the U.N. Security Council that called for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
As permanent members of the Security Council, Moscow and Beijing voted against the measure that had been proposed by the U.S.
The resolution called for an “immediate and sustained cease-fire” that would last six weeks. It would protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance into the Palestinian enclave along with condemning the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of some 1,200 people and hundreds of others being taken hostage.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, called the resolution “exceedingly politicized” and said it contained “an effective green light” for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch military operations into Rafah, according to Reuters. Israeli officials believe the city in southern Gaza is Hamas’ last major stronghold.
The U.N. vote came as Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel for talks likely to center on Mr. Netanyahu’s insistence on a ground assault into Rafah and U.S. concerns about the need for continued humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.