The United States has vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and instead proposed its own draft, expressing concerns that the Algerian-proposed resolution could jeopardize ongoing peace talks.

The U.S. resolution advises Israel against invading the city of Rafah. Thirteen out of the 15 Security Council members supported Algeria’s resolution, while the UK abstained.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that it is not the right time for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

The U.S. draft calls for a temporary ceasefire “as soon as practicable,” contingent on the release of all hostages and the removal of barriers to aid reaching Gaza, the BBC reported.

The timing of a Security Council vote on the U.S. proposal remains unclear after the veto of the Algerian resolution.

Palestinian representative to the UN Riyad Mansour said the US veto was “absolutely reckless and dangerous”.

Written by B.C. Begley