The U.S. vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official has slammed America's decision to exercise its veto power against a United Nations Security Council draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, arguing the decision ran contrary to the ideals that Washington purports to promote on the world stage.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Wednesday demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it’s not linked to the release of hostages.