North Korea has slammed the U.S. for vetoing a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, accusing Washington of abusing its veto power as a permanent member.

A statement released through the Korean Central News Agency on Sunday accused the U.S. of “illegal double standards” at the emergency UNSC meeting on Friday, citing Washington’s recent criticism of China and Russia for vetoing resolutions condemning DPRK satellite launches.

The UNSC meeting was called after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked a rarely exercised power under Article 99, which states the secretary-general may inform the