Due to vetoes from China and Russia over the US-proposed resolution, the UN Security Council was unable to adopt a resolution on Friday that would have required an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of the hostage situation.
A “immediate and sustained ceasefire” that would protect civilians and permit the delivery of humanitarian aid was demanded in the resolution, and it was to endure for around six weeks.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, informed the Security Council, “Unfortunately, Russia and China decided to exercise its veto.” The great majority of the council had voted in favor of the resolution.
She said that it would be a “historic mistake” for the council to reject the resolution prior to the vote.
Speaking before the vote, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia ambassador to the UN, urged members not to support the resolution. More than half of Rafah’s 2.3 million residents have been taking refuge in makeshift tents to avoid the Israeli assault further north. He called the resolution “exceedingly politicized” and said it effectively gave Israel permission to launch a military operation in the area.
“This would free the hands of Israel and it would result in all of Gaza and its entire population, having to face destruction, devastation, or expulsion,” Nebenzia stated during the discussion.
He said there was no reason why members should not endorse the alternative resolution that many non-permanent Security Council members had authored, calling it a balanced text.
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