China and Russia’s veto of a draft resolution sponsored by the United States, coupled with the failure of a second Russian-backed resolution to secure enough votes, has further deepened the Security Council’s deadlock in addressing the crisis in Gaza and Israel.

The U.S.-led draft resolution did not pass due to negative votes from permanent Security Council members China and Russia.

The vote tally was ten in favor, three against (China, Russia, and UAE), with two abstentions (Brazil and Mozambique). A “no” vote from any of the five permanent Council members can block action on a proposed measure.

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The second draft resolution, led by Russia, also failed to be adopted as it did not receive sufficient votes in favor.

The vote count was four in favor (China, Gabon, Russia, and UAE), two against (UK and US), and nine abstentions (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland).

Both resolutions had similar language, calling for a “humanitarian ceasefire” or “humanitarian pause” to facilitate the safe delivery of aid to desperate civilians.

They also condemned terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and called for immediate action to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

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Notable differences included the U.S.-backed proposal’s mention of the states’ inherent right to self-defense and the Russian-led resolution’s call for the immediate cancellation by Israeli forces of the evacuation order for civilians heading into southern Gaza.

It’s important to note that draft resolutions do not represent the official position of the 15-member Security Council until they are adopted.

In response to these developments, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed deep disappointment in the veto by China and Russia of the U.S. resolution.

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She stated that the U.S. is prepared to work with all Member States to support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzy expressed regret after the Russian resolution’s failure, noting that the Council had once again failed to respond to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.