NEW YORK: The UNSC rejected a Russian-backed resolution Monday night that denounced violence against the civilian population in Gaza. The resolution also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Palestinians and Israel, Western media reported.
UNSC Rejects Russia’s Resolution on Gaza
According to AP, only four nations joined Moscow in voting for the resolution seeking a ceasefire in the war between Palestinians and Israel. Four countries voted against the resolution, including the US while 6 nations abstained.
Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, has urged support for the resolution to reply to the “extraordinary exacerbation” of the situation, quoting the UNSC’s inaction since the Oct. 7 operation by Hamas.
The resolution received 5 votes in favor and 4 votes against, along with 6 abstentions. A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the 5 permanent members – Russia, the US, France, China, and Britain to approve.
“Today, the whole world waited with bated breath for the UNSC to take measures to put an end to the fight, but the delegations of the Western nations have fundamentally stomped on the expectations,” Russia’s UN envoy, told the UNSC after the vote.
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Moscow proposed the one-page draft text on Friday, which called for humanitarian aid access, the release of hostages, and the safe evacuation of the civilian population in need. The text denounced violence against civilians and all forms.
Israel is also preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza while subjecting the enclave to the most intense bombing ever, putting Gaza under complete blockade. Gaza authorities said that more than 2,750 people have been martyred by Israeli airstrikes.
Earlier, the UN agency responsible for supporting Palestinian refugees had issued a dire warning, stating that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of an “unprecedented human catastrophe” unless the supply of vital resources, including water, food, and medical supplies is restored promptly by Israeli authorities.
