The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Russia, China veto U.S. Security Council resolution on Gaza cease-fire

After weeks of negotiations, Washington finally put forward a measure calling for an ‘immediate’ end to the fighting. It wasn’t enough for some U.N. members.

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March 22, 2024 at 5:57 p.m. EDT
Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, speaks to delegates after voting against a U.S.-authored cease-fire resolution for the Israel-Gaza war on Friday. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
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Russia and China on Friday vetoed a U.S.-authored resolution before the U.N. Security Council that set out the “imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza, tied to the release of Hamas hostages, and warned against any ground offensive into Rafah.

Using language reminiscent of the Cold War, Russia called the measure a “hypocritical initiative” and an “empty political exercise” that played into U.S. and Israeli hands. “If you do this, you will cover yourselves in disgrace,” Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said before the vote.