Palestinian Authority President Abbas says US 'responsible for the bloodshed' of Gaza children

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during a meeting with French President on October 24, 2023 in the West Bank city of Ramallah. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE ENA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, cast blame on the United States for the "bloodshed" of children in the Gaza Strip after the U.S. vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. 

"The president has described the American position as aggressive and immoral, a flagrant violation of all humanitarian principles and values, and holds the United States responsible for the bloodshed of Palestinian children, women and elderly people in the Gaza Strip," said a statement from Abbas's office released Saturday, AFP reported. 

U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood had criticized the resolution and the UN Security Council for failing to condemn the Oct. 7 attack on Israel nor acknowledge Israel's right to defend itself. 

The failed cease-fire resolution was led by United Arab Emirates and had nearly 100 co-sponsors, according to UAE deputy ambassador Mohamed Abushaha. 

“What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?” Abushaha said after the vote. “Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?”