World leaders denounce US veto on UN draft resolution

A number of countries have expressed disappointment after the US vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution by Algeria, which called for a temporary ceasefire in the besieged enclave.

The US move came despite the support of 13 other members of the Security Council, with one abstention from the UK.

Tuesday's vote marks the third time the US has vetoed a call for a ceasefire related to the latest conflict that began in October at the UN.

Washington previously vetoed an amendment proposed by Russia calling for a ceasefire in December, and an earleir resolution in October calling for humanitarian pauses.

Algeria described US opposition to a ceasefire as an “approval of starvation as a means of war” as reports continue to emerge of severe hunger among the vast majority of Palestinians in Gaza.

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