UN fails to pass ceasefire motion, as Russia and China vote against

The UN Security Council has failed to pass a US resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a deal to release captives held in Gaza. 

Russia and China voted against the resolution. 

The resolution called for an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" lasting around six weeks that would protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Russia's ambassador to the UN described the resolution as politicised, and said it effectively green lit Israel's planned ground operation in Rafah.