The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an Israel-Hamas cease-fire on Wednesday morning, citing its failure to condition a halt in hostilities directly to the release of the hostages, whom Hamas continues to hold in the Gaza Strip.
“We could not support an unconditional cease-fire that failed to release the hostages,” Robert Wood, deputy U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the council.
Wood accused Hamas—and not Israel—of blocking a negotiated cease-fire and cited Israel’s reference for a temporary cease-fire and a phased release of hostages.
Washington cast the lone vote against the measure among the 15-member body. It is one of five permanent members of the council that has veto power.
