UN Security Council rejects Russia bill calling for ‘humanitarian ceasefire’
Russia’s draft resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was voted on in the 15-member UN Security Council.
The bill received 5 “yes” votes, while it was rejected with 6 “abstentions” and 4 “no” votes.
The United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan voted “no.”
While Hamas was not specifically mentioned in Russia’s draft resolution, all civilian deaths were condemned.
As an alternative to Russia’s project, the bill presented by Brazil, whose vote was postponed to another day, condemns “Hamas terrorist attacks” and demands a “humanitarian pause” instead of a ceasefire.
For a draft resolution to be approved by the UN Security Council, it must receive at least 9 votes in favor and none of the permanent members must veto the bill.
‘WESTERN COUNTRIES CRUSHED THE WORLD’S EXPECTATIONS’
In a statement after the vote, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that the bill presented by his country is completely humanitarian and noted that the UN Security Council is once again hostage to the interests selfish “western bloc” politicians.
Nebenzia stated that tension in the region has reached very serious levels and that the entire world is waiting for the UN Security Council’s decision to stop the bloodshed today, adding: “Western countries have crushed these expectations.” she made the assessment of it.
The US permanent representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, accused Russia of introducing its bill without consulting other countries.
“The bill does not mention Hamas. By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is covering up a terrorist organization that brutalizes innocent civilians.” Thomas-Greenfield said this was a terrible move.
‘STOP THE MASSACRE’
The Permanent Representative of Palestine to the United Nations (UN), Riyad Mansour, accused the Security Council of remaining for 10 days a spectator of the attack against two million people in the Gaza Strip.
Stating that people are killed, injured, displaced and terrorized, Mansour said: “Killing more Palestinians will not make Israel safer.” saying.
Mansour stated that urgent measures must be taken in three areas: “Attacks against our people must be immediately stopped, humanitarian aid must be immediately provided unhindered access to the Gaza Strip, and the forced displacement of our people must be prevented.” he said.
Stressing that civilians must be protected everywhere, Mansour said: “If you want to prevent the conflict from spreading to the region and the international arena, then stop the massacre.” he called.
THE UNSC LAST APPROVED DECISION FOR ISRAEL-PALESTINE 7 YEARS AGO
The last draft resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue were voted on in 2018. As a result of the current tension in Gaza, the draft resolutions presented by the United States and Kuwait were rejected.
The last draft resolution on the Israel-Palestine issue was approved by the UN Security Council in 2016. Draft resolution 2234, on which the United States abstained, was accepted with 14 votes in favor.