Three times before, the most powerful arm of the United Nations failed to pass a resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. On each occasion, the Security Council was blocked by the United States, Israel's closest ally.
With the U.S. finally putting forward its own version, China and Russia on Friday stopped the fourth attempt by the 15-nation council, where the three powerful nations – along with France and the United Kingdom – have been trusted with the only veto-wielding seats since World War II ended.
