CHINA-US Face-Off at UNSC: Diplomatic Duel at UN as US Blocks Gaza Ceasefire as China Expresses

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with thirteen members supporting the Algerian-drafted resolution and Britain abstaining. This marks the third US veto since the conflict began on October 7. Algeria's UN Ambassador highlighted the resolution's importance for Palestinian rights. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concerns over potential disruption to ongoing ceasefire negotiations and hostage release efforts. She argued that demanding an immediate ceasefire without Hamas releasing hostages could prolong the conflict. The veto underscores diplomatic tensions and the complexities of brokering peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict. China expressed "strong disappointment" over the US veto, with its permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, criticizing the move as detrimental and exacerbating the situation in Gaza. Zhang emphasized that opposing a Gaza ceasefire is akin to endorsing ongoing violence.