In a statement to the Security Council before a resolution vote, Russia’s UN representative Vassily Nebenzia criticized the United States for its recent veto of a ceasefire proposal in Gaza, arguing that the US is more focused on its geopolitical interests than on fostering peace in the Middle East or safeguarding civilians.
Nebenzia contended that the US’s rejection of the resolution, which was put forward by Algeria and sought an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, demonstrates a preference for protecting its key ally in the region over promoting peace.
The resolution received widespread support within the Security Council, with 13 members voting in favor and only the UK abstaining and the US vetoing.
Egypt also affirmed that the US use of the veto to prevent a ceasefire in Gaza is unjustified.
During a meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his US counterpart Antony Blinken on Thursday on the sidelines of the G20 meetings in Brazil, Shoukry expressed Egypt’s regret and rejection of the continued inability of the Security Council to explicitly call for a ceasefire due to the repeated use of the US veto.
US Ambassador Linda Greenfield justified the veto by questioning the effectiveness of the resolution and insisting on the release of hostages before agreeing to any ceasefire.
Nebenzia praised the Algerian proposal as “strong” and “fair.”
Russian Ambassador to Britain, Andrei Kelin, asserted that South Africa has legitimate legal grounds to sue Israel at the International Court of Justice over actions in Gaza. The comments were reported by the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday.
Ambassador Kelin highlighted, “Israel’s objective in Gaza is the removal of the local population.” He emphasized that South Africa has valid reasons to bring this issue before the International Court of Justice.
