At the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia on Friday vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution drafted by the United States. China’s Ambassador to the U.N. Zhang Jun criticized the text because it did not actually demand a ceasefire.

Zhang Jun: “The final text remains ambiguous and does not call for an immediate ceasefire, nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realizing a ceasefire in a short time. This is a clear deviation from the consensus of the council members and fell far short of the expectations of the international community. An immediate ceasefire is a fundamental prerequisite for saving lives, expanding humanitarian access and preventing greater conflicts.”

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia and China for vetoing the resolution.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield: “So, let’s be honest: For all the fiery rhetoric, we all know that Russia and China are not doing anything diplomatically to advance a lasting peace or to meaningfully contribute to the humanitarian response effort.”