The United States’ veto of a proposed United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was a « complete disappointment, » Turkey’s ministry of foreign affairs has said.
« Our friends once again expressed that America is now alone on this issue, especially in the voting held at the United Nations today, » Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview with state broadcaster TRT on Friday.
He spoke after a meeting with his counterparts from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League who met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington.
The feeling of « complete disappointment » was emphasized during the meeting, the ministry said in a post on social messaging platform X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.
The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire because they believe it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Unlike most of its Western allies and some Gulf states, NATO member Turkey does not view Hamas as a terrorist group.
Fidan said he also discussed Sweden’s bid to join NATO during a bilateral meeting with Blinken.
« From now on, it is at the discretion of the parliament, and we have conveyed this to our counterparts, » Fidan said.