Russia and China veto a UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza proposed by the United States.

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said the resolution was “exceedingly politicized” and contained an effective green light for Israel to mount a military operation in Rafah, a city on the southern tip of Gaza where more than half of its 2.3 million residents have been sheltering in makeshift tents.

“This would free the hands of Israel and it would result in all of Gaza and its entire population having to face destruction, devastation, or expulsion,” Nebenzia told the meeting, according to South China Morning Post.

China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun said the text proposed by the US was unbalanced and criticised it for not clearly stating its opposition to a planned military operation by Israel in Rafah in southern Gaza which he said could lead to severe consequences. He said Beijing also supported the alternative.

The resolution, on which Algeria also voted no and Guyana abstained, called for a 6-week ceasefire that would allow for delivery of humanitarian aid.

Washington previously vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire.