U.S vetoes Gaza ceasefire draft resolution

New York: The United States used its veto power to block an Arab draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The draft resolution received 13 votes in favor, with the United Kingdom abstaining and the United States voting against it. The Council needs at least nine votes to adopt a draft resolution, provided that no permanent member or "veto" power objects, a privilege enjoyed by the five permanent members of the Council - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The United States opposes the term "ceasefire" and used its veto power against a previous draft resolution submitted by the United Arab Emirates late last year. The draft resolution also calls on the Council to reiterate its demand that all parties strictly comply with their obligations under international law regarding the protection of civilians and decides that the Council "rejects the forcible displacement of Palestinian civilians in violation of international law, and calls for an immediate end to any such viol ations." It also calls for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and all its areas. Source: Jordan News Agency