For the third time, the USA has blocked a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war. China's ambassador described the veto as a "green light for further slaughter" 13 of the 15 council members voted in favor of the draft, while Great Britain abstained.
The adoption of a resolution could have led to "the fighting between Hamas and Israel expanding," says the U.S. ambassador to the UN. The Israeli army is preparing to invade Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions and free suspected hostages.