In a crucial voting session, the UN Security Council faced a significantsetback as it failed to adopt a resolution led by Russia. This resolutionaimed to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza region,which has witnessed an escalation of conflict over the past ten days. Thisescalation was characterized by relentless Israeli airstrikes in responseto attacks by Hamas on Israeli border towns.
The Russian-drafted resolution received support from five countries,including China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.However, it fell short of the necessary backing, with four countries -France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States – voting againstit. An additional six countries, namely Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana,Malta, and Switzerland, chose to abstain from voting.
To be adopted within the 15-member Council, a resolution must secure atleast nine votes in favor, without opposition or veto from any of the fivepermanent members. The Russian resolution specifically called for ahumanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, provision of aid access,and the safe evacuation of civilians.
The primary point of contention centered around the fact that the Russianresolution did not explicitly condemn the attacks by Hamas, which hadreportedly resulted in over 1,000 Israeli casualties. In contrast, Gazareported at least 2,750 Palestinian fatalities and 9,700 wounded due toIsraeli retaliatory airstrikes.
Subsequently, the Security Council is expected to address an alternativedraft resolution proposed by Brazil. This resolution calls for”humanitarian pauses” and condemns Hamas, as well as all forms of violenceand terrorist acts against civilians.
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Following the vote, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressedregret over the failure to adopt the resolution and blamed the “selfishintention of the western bloc.” He lamented that this vote demonstrated adivision between those supporting humanitarian aid and an end to violenceand those opposing it for “selfish and political interests.”
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield justified her country’s opposition tothe Russian resolution by asserting that it ignored Hamas’ acts ofterrorism and was dishonoring the victims. She stated, “By failing tocondemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalizesinnocent civilians. It is outrageous, hypocritical, and indefensible.”