The United Nations Security Council faced a setback on Friday as a resolution proposed by the United States aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed by Russia and China, with Moscow criticizing Washington for what it termed a “hypocritical spectacle” that failed to hold Israel accountable.
The resolution, presented by the US, sought to endorse “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” while condemning Hamas’s 7th October attack. However, Russia and China utilized their veto power, joined by Algeria in opposition, while Guyana abstained. Among the Security Council members, France and Britain supported the resolution.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, lambasted the US for its perceived inaction in restraining Israel and derided the resolution as a mere attempt to appease voters without addressing the dire situation in Gaza. Nebenzia accused the US of politicizing the issue and warned that the resolution would shield Israel from accountability for its actions.
The resolution had linked the ceasefire to ongoing negotiations led by Qatar, with US and Egyptian support, aimed at halting the conflict in exchange for the release of captives by Hamas. However, the failure of the resolution at the Security Council signals a setback in international efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
