A U.S. bid for the U.N. Security Council to call for an immediate and sustained cease-fire in the Gaza Strip was unsuccessful on Friday after Russia and China vetoed the resolution. The resolution, which highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conduct of Israel in the ongoing war, reflected the growing frustration of the Biden administration. Despite the efforts to press Israel to avoid attacking Rafah and enable more aid to enter Gaza, tensions over previous Security Council actions and disagreements over a permanent cease-fire led to the resolution’s failure.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, while in Israel, expressed disappointment at the outcome, emphasizing the urgency of a cease-fire linked to the release of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s intention to launch an offensive into Rafah to eliminate Hamas, underscoring the necessity despite international criticism.

The resolution, which received support from eleven members, was voted against by Russia, China, and Algeria, while Guyana abstained. The dissenting countries believed the resolution did not go far enough in compelling a cease-fire and was too lenient towards ongoing operations in Gaza. The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, defended the resolution but acknowledged the motivations of Russia and China in vetoing it.

As tensions between the U.S. and Russia and China continue to rise, prospects for diplomatic solutions in Gaza remain uncertain. The Biden administration has been critical of Israel and has urged more humanitarian aid to Gaza, but the failure of the resolution highlights challenges in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Talks between Israel and Hamas with the involvement of C.I.A. Director William J. Burns in Qatar may offer a potential path towards a cease-fire.