A senior Hamas official has slammed America's decision to exercise its veto power against a United Nations Security Council draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, arguing the decision ran contrary to the ideals that Washington purports to promote on the world stage.

A judge in El Salvador ordered the provisional detention of prominent lawyer Ruth Lopez, human rights group Cristosal said on Wednesday.

The United States on Wednesday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it was not linked to the release of hostages, saying it would embolden Hamas militants.