Israel's interior minister criticizes the US for not vetoing a UN Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

"There were promises that the Americans would use their veto, which unfortunately were not kept, apparently under pressure from Arab countries," Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit claimed on Israel's public television.

The UN Security Council almost unanimously approved on Thursday a resolution for an 'immediate' and 'durable' ceasefire followed by the 'full withdrawal' of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The resolution also demanded "the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment," referring to Israel's deadly siege on the devastated strip.

Fourteen out of the Council's 15 members voted for the resolution as Israel's main ally, the US, abstained from voting on the ceasefire resolution.

Israel has rejected UN Resolution 1860 as Israel heavily bombarded Gaza for a 14th day.

Israel's national security council, of which Sheetrit is a member of, voted to defy the resolution and press ahead with its two-week offensive that has claimed more than 800 Palestinian lives and wounded 3,300.

"We do not need anyone's consent to defend the people of southern Israel against rocket attacks. On this subject, what the Americans and Europeans do is of no consequence. Nobody gives us moral lessons," Sheetrit said.

He said that Hamas should stop firing rockets on Israel and continued, "If this does not happen, we hit even harder until Hamas understands."

MMA/HAR