US blocks UN’s call for ‘humanitarian pause’ and corridors into Gaza – video
The US has blocked a resolution calling for Israel to allow humanitarian corridors into the Gaza Strip, a pause in the fighting and the lifting of an order for civilians to leave the north of the besieged territory, by using its veto at the UN security council.
The text - supported by 12 of the 15 members of the security council on Wednesday - contained criticism of 'heinous terrorist crimes by Hamas' and made no direct reference of Israel. In an attempt to win US support, the draft resolution did not explicitly call for a ceasefire, instead referencing a 'humanitarian pause'.
But the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution, carefully crafted by Brazilian diplomats, was unacceptable because it made no mention of Israel's right to self-defence. The UK and Russia abstained
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