The US on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a “humanitarian pause” in the raging Israel-Hamas war as the text did not include respect for Israel’s right to self-defense.

“The United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel’s right of self-defense,” said US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “Like every nation in the world, Israel has the inherent right of self-defense, as reflected in Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

The envoy added that “following previous terrorist attacks by groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, this council reaffirmed that right. This text should have done the same.”

Twelve out of fifteen council members voted in favor of the resolution put forward by Brazil and negotiated over several days, while Russia and the UK abstained.

The resolution said the council “firmly condemns all violence and hostilities against civilians and all acts of terrorism.” It said the body “unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas… and the taking of hostages” and also “urges all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law.”

A Russian version of the resolution voted down on Tuesday did not even mention Hamas.