The United States on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed UN Security Council resolution demanding Israel immediately end military operations in the Gaza Strip and withdraw its troops.

Germany, Britain and Romania abstained from the vote on the draft proposed by Algeria, Tunisia and Pakistan.

Despite a last-minute effort by Russia to save the draft, the US blocked the draft which it termed as "one-sided."

"Because of these material omissions, because of the lack of balance, the resolution lacks credibility and deserve a 'no' vote," US Ambassador John Danforth said in a statement before the vote.

He listed a whole collection of "tough" words in the draft, such as "occupying power," "indiscriminate" use of force, and noted that the US had no problems with those words as long as they are accurate.

The draft resolution condemned the "broad military incursion and attacks" by Israeli forces in the area of northern Gaza Strip.

It reiterated calls upon Israel to abide "scrupulously" by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention to protect civilians in conflicts.

The draft demanded the immediate cessation of all military operations in the troubled area, and called on Israel to ensure the "unfettered" access and safety of UN personnel. 

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2004)