Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored U.N. resolution on Friday, rejecting the call for “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The aim was to safeguard civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid to over 2 million Palestinians facing dire conditions.
In the 15-member Security Council, 11 members voted in favor of the resolution, while three voted against it, with one abstention. Before the vote, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed support for an immediate cease-fire but criticized the resolution’s language. He accused U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of presenting misleading information for politicized purposes.
The resolution emphasized the imperative need for a cease-fire. Unlike a previous draft, it did not directly link the cease-fire to the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ attack on Israel in October. However, it supported diplomatic efforts to achieve a cease-fire in conjunction with the release of all remaining hostages.
While the Security Council had previously passed two resolutions addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, none had specifically called for a cease-fire. Russia and China had previously vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in late October, arguing that it did not adequately reflect global calls for a cease-fire.
The U.S., a close ally of Israel, had also vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire, including an Arab-backed measure on February 20, which received support from 13 council members with one abstention.
The vote occurred amidst Blinken’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, where he is discussing potential cease-fire and hostage release agreements, as well as post-war strategies.
In response to the resolution, Nate Evans, spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, emphasized its significance in supporting diplomatic initiatives on the ground and increasing pressure on Hamas to accept proposed deals.
Meanwhile, the 10 elected members of the Security Council are drafting their own resolution. It calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and urges its respect by all parties, leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire. Additionally, it demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and underscores the urgent need to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip.
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports warning of imminent famine and catastrophic levels of hunger. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, with civilians, including women and children, bearing the brunt of the violence. International pressure is mounting on Israel to ease restrictions on aid access and reach a cease-fire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to escalate military operations in Gaza, particularly targeting the city of Rafah, which he claims is a Hamas stronghold.
