Russia, China veto US bid on Gaza ceasefire at UN Security Council

Both nations say resolution will not stop Israel mounting an operation in Rafah

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The United Nations Security Council on March 22 failed to pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal, after Russia and China vetoed the measure proposed by the United States.

The resolution called for an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" lasting roughly six weeks that would protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

"The vast majority of this council voted in favour of this resolution, but unfortunately Russia and China decided to exercise its veto," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council.

The vote on the resolution saw 11 in favour, three against, including Algeria, and one abstention Guyana.

Before the vote, Ms Thomas Greenfield said it would be a "historic mistake" for the council not to adopt the resolution.

It was the closest the US had come to pressing its ally Israel, which has endorsed only a limited halt in fighting to free hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

But the resolution also included a condemnation of the Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Most UN proposals by other nations have left out criticism of Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the US and European Union.

Russia's Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia, also speaking before the vote, called on members not to vote in favour of the resolution.