The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today, March 22.3, could not pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, after Russia and China used their veto power, and Algeria voted against and Guyana abstained, AFP reported.
The remaining 11 members of the UN Security Council voted in favor, including permanent members France and Britain.
The above resolution was proposed by the United States, which calls for an immediate ceasefire for 6 weeks to protect civilians and allow the provision of humanitarian assistance. This marks a further hardening of the country's stance towards its ally Israel.
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US special envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council: "The vast majority of council members voted in favor of this resolution, but unfortunately Russia and China decided to use their veto power." .
Before the vote, she said it would be a "historic mistake" if the council did not pass the resolution.
The meeting of the UN Security Council took place on March 22.3
Meanwhile, speaking at the vote, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia urged members not to support the resolution. He said the resolution was “extremely politicized” and gave Israel the green light to launch a military operation in the southernmost city of Rafah in Gaza.
Rafah is home to more than half of the 2,3 million Palestinians fleeing Israeli attacks in northern Gaza.
“That will free Israel's hands and will result in all of Gaza and all its people facing destruction, devastation or expulsion,” Mr. Nebenzia said.
According to the Russian diplomat, some non-permanent members of the Security Council have drafted an alternative resolution, which he called a "balanced" document. The content of the new proposal is unclear, but Mr. Nebenzia said there is "no reason" for members not to support it.
Beijing also supported the alternative resolution. Chinese Ambassador to the UN Truong Quan said that the text proposed by the US was unbalanced. According to him, Washington did not clearly state its opposition to any Israeli military activities in Rafah, which he said could lead to serious consequences, Reuters reported.
Mr. Truong said "if the US is serious about the ceasefire", they will not veto many previous resolutions of the Security Council.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on March 21.3 that he believed that negotiations in Qatar, which focused on a six-week ceasefire and the release of 6 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinians, could still reach an agreement. favorable.
The US has a tradition of defending Israel at the UN. However, Washington also abstained twice, allowing the council to pass resolutions on increasing aid and calling for an extension of the ceasefire period.
