ISTANBUL

China and Malaysia on Friday sharply criticized the US after it vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding urgent action to halt Israel’s war on Gaza.

The resolution, blocked on Thursday, called for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in the enclave, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 in what is now the second year of genocide in Gaza.

China’s UN envoy Fu Cong said on US social media company X that Beijing “is deeply disappointed” by Washington’s move, adding: “Time and again, the Security Council has attempted to take actions, only to be forcefully blocked by the United States.”

Thursday’s vote marked the sixth US veto of ceasefire resolutions since the start of the war. Washington previously rejected drafts in October and December 2023, February and November 2024, and June 2025, while abstaining in several other cases.

“How much longer do we have to wait before the Security Council fulfills its responsibilities?” Fu asked.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry echoed China’s criticism, expressing “deep concern” and warning that the US stance “would only embolden the Zionist Israel regime to continue its crimes of genocide and destruction of Gaza, which Malaysia has condemned in the strongest and most unequivocal terms.”

Israel’s ongoing assault has left the Gaza Strip in ruins, with famine spreading across the enclave. The International Court of Justice is currently hearing a genocide case against Israel over its actions.