The US has vetoed the Egypt-drafted resolution opposing the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital after all 14 other UN Security Council members backed the document, which was called "an insult" by US Ambassador to the UN Nikky Haley.
The US envoy has announced the decision to veto the resolution earlier in the day, adding that "our hand remains extended to both parties" with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
The resolution, proposed by Egypt last week, "affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council." The resolution calls on all countries not to recognize any decisions or actions that contradict UN resolutions and to "refrain from creating diplomatic missions in Jerusalem."
A resolution in the Security Council needed nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China to pass, while now the measure could be taken to the UN General Assembly for a vote after the US using its veto powers.
READ MORE: UNSC to Consider Palestine-Drafted Resolution Monday on US Decision on Jerusalem
The current UNSC meeting is being held after US President Donald Trump announced earlier this month the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move that has led to the aggravation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and multiple clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli police amid protests.
