The US vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution calling for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, marking its fourth veto to protect Israel. Fourteen members supported the resolution, which also opposed starving Palestinians. The US argued the resolution lacked a necessary link between a ceasefire and hostage release, potentially sending a “dangerous message” to Hamas. The veto drew criticism, with China questioning the value of Palestinian lives and France condemning the violation of humanitarian law. Human Rights Watch accused the US of enabling Israeli impunity amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Gaza.