The UN Security Council has rejected a Russian-proposed draft resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza but made no mention of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The draft resolution, referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, also called for the release of all hostages, access for humanitarian aid and the safe evacuation of civilians. It condemned violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism, without naming the Islamist group.

The Security Council voted on the draft on Monday. Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and two others voted in favor, while the United States, Britain, France and Japan voted against it. The remaining six countries abstained.

To adopt a resolution, the proposal must obtain at least nine votes in favor, with none of the council's five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia criticized those who voted against the motion. He said, "Today, the entire world waited with bated breath for the Security Council to take steps in order to put an end to the bloodletting, but the delegations of the Western countries have basically stomped on those expectations."

Washington's UN ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield responded that the terror unleashed on Israel by Hamas was "the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust." She added that the Hamas took innocent people hostage, and its actions have led to the dire humanitarian crisis facing the people of Gaza. She said, "By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalizes innocent civilians. It is outrageous."

Another draft resolution that condemns Hamas, submitted by the council's current chair Brazil, will be put to vote on Tuesday.