February 20, 2024

NEW YORK — The United States was the lone veto against a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza on Tuesday, marking the third time Washington has opposed such a measure.

The vote on the resolution drafted by Algeria was 13-1, with the U.K. abstaining, on the 15-member council. The veto puts the U.S. increasingly out of step on the world stage as it faces criticism for its support for Israel in the campaign against Hamas in Gaza, launched after the militant group’s deadly Oct. 7. assault that killed some 1,200 people. It also came a day after Washington floated its own rival resolution, calling for a temporary cease-fire.

The United States argues a complete cease-fire would jeopardize negotiations involving Egypt and Qatar to release the hostages Hamas abducted in its attack.

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