The UK abstained from a UN Security Council vote on the Israel-Hamas war because it “needed to be clearer” on Israel’s rights to defend itself.
The 15-member council voted on a draft resolution which would condemn Hamas and all violence against all civilians, as well as pushing for humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
The US vetoed the resolution, while the UK and Russia abstained.
Explaining the decision, UK envoy to the UN Barbara Woodward said it “needed to be clearer on Israel’s inherent right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter after Hamas’s attacks killed over 1,400 people and took almost 200 people hostage”.
She said it also ignored the fact Hamas are “using innocent Palestinian civilians as human shields”.
The US envoy to the UN said they were disappointed the resolution made no mention of Israel’s right to defend itself.
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