The United Nations Security Council’s recent session witnessed the rejection of a resolution spearheaded by the United States, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This resolution, proposed amid escalating tensions in the region, aimed to secure a six-week ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the conflict. However, the measure faced significant opposition from two permanent members of the Security Council: Russia and China, who exercised their veto power to block its passage.
The US-led resolution backed support from 11 out of the 15 Security Council members, showing a broad consensus among the international community regarding the urgency of ending the violence in Gaza.
Despite this overwhelming support, the resolution was thwarted by the vetoes of Russia and China, leading to a deadlock in the Security Council’s efforts to address the crisis.
US ambassador slams China, Russia
In response to the veto, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, voiced strong condemnation, accusing Russia and China of obstructing diplomatic efforts and prioritising their own interests over the humanitarian imperative.
She criticised their refusal to condemn Hamas’s attacks on Israel and characterized their actions as “cynical” and “petty”.
“For all the fiery rhetoric, we all know that Russia and China are not doing anything diplomatically to advance a lasting peace or to meaningfully contribute to the humanitarian response effort,” she told the council after the vote.
The US had pushed for the Security Council’s support for a ceasefire to be contingent upon the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The attack by Palestinian Hamas fighters on October 7 resulted in numerous casualties and captives, prompting calls for immediate action to de-escalate the situation. However, Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, argued that the US-backed resolution was politicised and could potentially embolden Israel to escalate military operations in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, pushes for more aid for Gaza
In light of the veto, discussions turned to alternative proposals aimed at achieving a ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict. Non-permanent members of the Security Council, under Mozambique’s coordination, drafted an alternative resolution that emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
While the rejection of the US-backed resolution represented a setback, diplomatic efforts persisted, with France pledging to collaborate with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to rally support for yet another alternative resolution at the United Nations.
(With inputs from agencies)
