TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday branded the United States the "definite accomplice" in Israeli "crimes" in Gaza, his official website reported, a day after Washington vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Khamenei's comments, made in a message for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, urged the international community to compel Washington to halt its "oppressive" behavior.
"It is now the second Hajj season that is taking place concurrent with the unfolding of the catastrophes in Gaza and West Asia," he was quoted as saying, adding that Israel had taken the tragedy in Gaza to an "unbelievable level" through "shocking cruelty and unparalleled maliciousness."
The Iranian leader also called for Muslim unity to prevent Israel from continuing its actions in Gaza.
On Wednesday, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, received support from 14 of the 15 council members. Washington's veto drew criticism from other members. ■
