"US Veto Blocks UN Call for Gaza Cease-Fire"

The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, proposing its own draft that supports diplomacy toward releasing hostages taken in a Hamas attack. The U.S. argues that a cease-fire without requiring the release of hostages would not bring about lasting peace and is working on a deal for a six-week pause in fighting. This move comes after months of war between Israel and Hamas, with Arab nations and other countries backing the call for a cease-fire.