United Nations: China's Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun on Tuesday criticized the United States for the use of its veto power on an Algeria-drafted UN Security Council resolution, arguing it undermines consensus and worsens the situation in Gaza.

Earlier in the day, the US vetoed a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen council members voted in favour, while the UK abstained.

"It is not that the Security Council does not have an overwhelming consensus, but rather it is the exercise of the veto by the United States that has stifled the council consensus. The US veto sends a wrong message, pushing the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous one," Zhang said during a UN Security Council meeting.

China expresses its strong disappointment and dissatisfaction with the vote's outcome, he added.

Supporting Algeria’s proposed UNSC resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza could have risked sensitive hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel, US National Security Communications adviser John Kirby said.

The United States vetoing another resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza has demonstrated that it does not want peace in the Middle East and is only demanding at any cost that their closest Middle East ally be shielded, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said.

(With UNI/SPUTNIK inputs)