US Vetoes Security Council Resolution Calling for Permanent Ceasefire in Israel–Hamas War

The United States exercised its permanent veto on Feb. 20 over a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas. The resolution was introduced by Algeria, which has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel. “Our message for you today is that the international community should respond to the calls for ending the killing of Palestinians by calling for an immediate ceasefire,” Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama told the Security Council following the failed vote. The United Kingdom, which also has a permanent veto, abstained while 13 members voted in favor of it. While the Security Council requires nine votes to pass a resolution, the U.S. veto automatically overrules the majority. In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, China and Russia have a permanent veto on the Security Council....