USA and Russia’s Israeli-Palestinian Draft Resolutions Face Mutual Rejection
Title: UNSC Vetoed US and Russia’s Draft Resolutions on Israel-Palestine Conflict
The United States’ draft resolution regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict was vetoed in the 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after receiving 10 votes in favor, 2 abstentions, and 3 votes against it. Permanent UNSC members, Russia and China, voted against the resolution, along with the United Arab Emirates.
Expressing disappointment over the veto of Russia and China, US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized that the US bill had been presented after extensive negotiations and was a robust and balanced draft resolution.
China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Zhang Jung, justified their veto, stating that the draft resolution failed to address the “indiscriminate and asymmetric use of force” and did not include a demand for an investigation into the recent attack on al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip.
The US draft resolution, which called for a “humanitarian pause,” condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7 and recognized countries’ right to self-defense. It also emphasized the need for sustainable aid to Gaza, urged all parties to fulfill their international law obligations, and demanded steps to prevent the supply of weapons to terrorist organizations, including Hamas.
Following the US vote, Russia submitted its own draft resolution advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. However, it received 4 votes in favor, 9 abstentions, and 2 votes against, resulting in its rejection. The US and the UK, both permanent UNSC members, voted against Russia’s resolution.
Russia’s bill emphasized the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating the need for an immediate, permanent, and respectful humanitarian ceasefire that would be upheld by all parties involved. It condemned Hamas’ attacks and called for the release of hostages. The draft resolution also called for an end to the full blockade of Gaza and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from certain areas.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, criticized the vetoing countries for prioritizing their own national interests and accused them of lacking courage. Meanwhile, US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood dismissed Russia’s bill, claiming it did not reflect the realities on the ground. Britain’s Permanent Representative, Barbara Woodward, outlined their inability to support Russia’s resolution as it failed to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.
These recent vetoed drafts marked the fourth time in 10 days that the UNSC rejected resolutions pertaining to the Israel-Palestine situation. Last week, resolutions proposed by Brazil and Russia were also dismissed.
The deadlock within the UNSC underscores the challenges in finding a comprehensive and balanced solution to deescalate tensions and address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community continues to grapple with finding a way forward to achieve lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
