Members of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday condemned the U.S. for vetoing a resolution demanding a cease-fire and unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza, a move Washington defended as necessary to protect ongoing diplomatic efforts.
It was the 15-member body's first vote on the situation since November, when the United States – a key Israeli ally – also blocked a text calling for an end to fighting.
"Today, the United States sent a strong message by vetoing a counterproductive U.N. Security Council resolution on Gaza targeting Israel," Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed in a statement after Wednesday's 14 to 1 vote.
He said Washington would not support any text that "draws a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, or disregards Israel's right to defend itself."
"The United States will continue to stand with Israel at the U.N."
