The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) failed to pass a Gaza ceasefire resolution as part of a hostage deal after Russia and China voted against the measure proposed by the United States. Washington previously vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire.
Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored U.N. resolution supporting “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. This Gaza ceasefire resolution called the measure ambiguous and said it was not the direct demand to end the fighting much of the world seeks.
This resolution, which sought a six-week ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, garnered the support of 11 of the 15 council members. However, the opposition from Russia and China, along with a ‘no’ vote from Algeria and an abstention from Guyana, led to its failure.
The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized the vetoes as “cynical” and “petty,” attributing their basis to opposition against the U.S.’s authorship of the resolution. She lamented the lack of a unified condemnation of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.
The backdrop of this diplomatic struggle is the grim toll of the conflict. According to Israeli counts, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in their October 7 attack. However, nearly 32,000 Palestinians become innocent prey in Israel’s brutal actions in Gaza. The ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Other Country’s Stance
Critics accused the proposal by Russia and China of potentially worsening the situation. Russia’s U.N. ambassador contended that the U.S. resolution was overly politicized and might allow Israel to take further military action in Gaza, especially in Rafah, risking widespread destruction.
An alternative resolution, supported by China and coordinated by Mozambique with the backing of the 10 elected members of the Security Council, calls for an immediate ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the release of all hostages, and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
This proposal aims to find a more balanced approach to the ceasefire and humanitarian crisis, with French President Emmanuel Macron seeking to mediate further to gain support from Russia and China for a ceasefire.
Washington previously vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire.
