The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a “humanitarian pause” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza.

The failure by the Council to make its first public intervention on the Israel-Gaza crisis followed the rejection of a Russian-backed draft on Monday evening.

While 12 of the Council’s 15 members voted in favour of the Brazilian-led text, one (United States) voted against, and two (Russia, and the United Kingdom) abstained.

A ‘no’ vote from any one of the five permanent members of the Council stops action on any measure put before it.

The body’s permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The draft resolution called for a “cessation of hostilities” to allow UN and humanitarian partners access to Gaza.

The resolution condemned Hamas’ “terrorist attacks” and also condemned all forms of violence against civilians.

The US said in a statement that the resolution was vetoed because it did not address Israel’s right to self-defence.