Russia and China blocked a US attempt for the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the Israel-Hamas conflict on Wednesday, calling for pauses in fighting to allow humanitarian supplies access, civilian protection, and an end to equipping Hamas and other militants in the Gaza Strip.
On Saturday, the United States introduced a draft resolution as worldwide outrage increased over Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis and growing civilian death toll. It took the decision just days after vetoing a humanitarian draft from Brazil, stating that more time was required for US-led diplomacy.
Many diplomats were taken aback by the initial US statement, which said unequivocally that Israel has the right to defend itself and demanded that Iran stop shipping arms to extremist groups. It made no mention of humanitarian pauses for relief access. However, it significantly reduced the final text that was placed to a vote.
“We did listen to all of you”, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council following the double veto, which she called disheartening.
“Though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred”, she added.
The US’s suggestion of Security Council action was an uncommon move. At the UN, Washington has historically defended its friend Israel.
The United Arab Emirates voted against the American text, while Brazil and Mozambique abstained.
“The draft does not reflect the world’s strongest calls for a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and it does not help resolve the issue”, China’s United Nations Ambassador Zhang Jun said following the voting.
“At this time, a cease-fire is more than just a diplomatic word. It could be the difference between life and death for many individuals”, Jun continued.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for a humanitarian cease-fire.
Also read: Hurricane Otis Makes A Catastrophic Landfall In Mexico
