The Straits Times
Published on Nov 21, 2012

US blocks UN Security Council action on Israel-Gaza conflict


UNITED NATIONS (REUTERS) - The United States blocked on Tuesday a UN Security Council statement condemning the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, setting the scene for a possible showdown between Washington and Russia on the issue.

The United States opposed the statement - which had to be approved by consensus - because it "failed to address the root cause" - missile attacks by Hamas - of the escalation in fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, said Ms Erin Pelton, spokesman for the US mission to the United Nations.

