"U.S. Cease-Fire Proposal Vetoed by Russia and China at UN"

Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-authored resolution at the U.N. Security Council calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza tied to the release of Hamas hostages, with Russia calling the measure a "hypocritical initiative" and an "empty political exercise." The U.S. condemned the vetoes as "cynical," while emphasizing the urgency of a cease-fire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The resolution marked the first time the U.S. directly called for an "immediate" cease-fire and condemned Hamas's attack on Israel. The Biden administration, along with Qatar and Egypt, has been negotiating with Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.