The move by Israel's key ally had been expected ahead of the vote, taking place more than six months into Israel's military offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
UNITED NATIONS - The United States on Thursday spoiled a long-shot Palestinian bid for full United Nations membership, vetoing a Security Council measure despite growing international distress over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas's office called the US veto"a blatant aggression... which pushes the region ever further to the edge of the abyss." Despite the US veto, Ambassador Amar Bendjama of Algeria, which introduced the draft, said the resolution's"overwhelming" support"sends a crystal-clear message" that the Palestinians belong as a full member state and that their backers"will return stronger and more vocal.
"The United States continues to strongly support the two-state solution," US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said after the vote Thursday.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Security Council to vote Thursday on Palestinian state UN membershipThe vote on Thursday will coincide with a Security Council meeting scheduled several weeks ago to discuss the situation in Gaza, which ministers from several Arab countries are expected to attend.
Read more »
WATCH: SA welcomes UN Security Council demand for ceasefire in Gaza, but Israel not happyAfter more than five months of war, the UN Security Council for the first time Monday demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Read more »
Israel defiant after UN Security Council finally calls for ceasefire, US perplexed by NetanyahuIsrael defiant after UN Security Council finally calls for ceasefire, US perplexed by Netanyahu
Read more »
US, EU increase pressure on Israel over Gaza ceasefire; UN Security Council vote plannedUS, EU increase pressure on Israel over Gaza ceasefire; UN Security Council vote planned
Read more »
UNSC to vote Friday on Palestinian UN membership - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world,United Nations Security Council to vote Friday on Palestinian UN membership.
Read more »
'The mask comes off': Israel, Iran trade accusations at Security Council meeting'The mask comes off': Israel, Iran trade accusations at Security Council meeting
Read more »