Dueling U.N. votes on Gaza both fail

The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution Friday which would have offered "international protection" for Palestinian civilians in Gaza after 119 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces in protests this spring.

"Because this resolution is wildly inaccurate in its characterization of recent events in Gaza, and because it would harm any efforts towards peace, the United States will oppose it and will veto it if necessary," said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley. After the measure, introduced by Kuwait, received 10 of 15 Security Council votes — enough to pass absent American opposition — Haley cited it as "proof" that "the U.N. is hopelessly biased against Israel."

Also unsuccessful was a U.S.-introduced resolution condemning Hamas for violence in Gaza and calling on Palestinian groups to stop "all violent provocative actions." Only the U.S. voted yes, while three Security Council members voted no, and 11 abstained. Both votes were primarily symbolic.

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