United Nations: United Nations Security Council failed to pass resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of hostage deal after Russia and China, who are permanent members, voted against measure proposed by United States.

Resolution called for an “Immediate and sustained ceasefire” lasting roughly six weeks that would protect civilians and allow for delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Russia’s Ambassador to UN, Vassily Nebenzia said, resolution was “Exceedingly politicised and contained an effective green light for Israel to mount military operation in Rafah, city on southern tip of the Gaza Strip where more than half of its 2.3 million residents have been sheltering in makeshift tents to escape Israeli assault farther north.

This would free hands of Israel and it would result in all of Gaza and its entire population having to face destruction, devastation or expulsion, Nebenzia told meeting.

He said number of non-permanent members of Security Council had drafted an alternative resolution, which he called balanced document and said there was no reason for members not to support it. Chin Ambassador to UN said Beijing also supported alternative resolution.

Text proposed by US was unbalanced and criticised it for not clearly stating its opposition to any military operation by Israel in Rafah, which he said could lead to severe consequences.

US draft sets up preconditions for ceasefire, which is no different from giving green light to continued killings, which is unacceptable, ambassador, Zhang Jun, said after vote.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 23 2024

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