Russia and China VETO US resolution at UN calling for ‘immediate’ ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages
Russia and China have vetoed a US draft resolution at the United Nations calling for an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution called for a cessation of hostilities for approximately six weeks to protect civilians and allow humanitarian assistance.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said this was highly politicized and represented an effective green light for Israel to mount a military operation in Rafah.
Eleven countries voted in favor of the US-backed resolution, which declared “the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.”
Antony Blinken has landed in Israel as the UN prepares to vote on a US ceasefire proposal today
The vote came amid deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where local officials say more than 30,000 people have been killed since Israel began its war against Hamas following the October 7 attack in Israel.
During three previous UN votes demanding an end to fighting, the US exercised its veto through its permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday, amid ongoing talks, to try to negotiate a temporary ceasefire.
He met Arab diplomats in Cairo, where he said an Israeli attack on Rafah, where more than a million people have gathered in Gaza, would be a “mistake.” He also calls for an increase in humanitarian aid.
He is meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet amid tensions with the Biden administration. Netanyahu called a Senate lunch meeting of Republican senators this week, but Senate Democrats did not invite him following Minority Leader Charles Schumer’s speech calling for new elections in Israel and saying that Netanyahu was “the was lost’.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he is committed to sending troops to the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and that he would do so without US support.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Tel Aviv, Israel
The resolution failed after China and Russia vetoed it
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks after a vote for a resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza
There are concerns about growing hunger in Gaza. Children play amid damaged buildings surrounding the mosque, the rubble of the Al-Farooq Mosque that was destroyed during the Israeli attack in Rafah, Gaza on March 22, 2024
“Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” Schumer said in a speech that President Biden called “good.”
The talks are aimed at bringing about a lull in the fighting and the return of an estimated 200 hostages seized by Hamas in the October 7 attack, with negotiations focusing on Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Amid reports of widespread hunger and even famine amid continued attacks and struggles to organize aid distribution, European leaders released a statement calling for “an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a lasting ceasefire -firing, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid.’
The latest wording in the resolution reflects growing concern within the government and abroad about the situation in Gaza.
An earlier version circulating last month called for a ceasefire “as soon as practicable,” and President Biden and top security aides have defended Israel’s right to defend itself by hitting back against Hamas.
With the US-backed resolution rejected, France is stepping in to try to revive efforts.
“Following the veto by Russia and China a few minutes ago, we will resume work on the basis of the French draft resolution in the Security Council and work with our American, European and Arab partners to reach an agreement,” French President Emmanuel Macron said . Friday.
There is also a domestic political component, amid concerns that Israel’s war in Gaza could last the entire summer of a US election year if Netanyahu goes ahead with plans for an operation in Rafah.
A new CNN poll released Friday showed Biden trailing predecessor Donald Trump by eight points in battleground Michigan, home to the country’s largest Muslim population.
Netanyahu said after a meeting with Blinken on Friday that Israel would continue its operation in Rafah even without US support.
“I underlined our commitment to evacuating civilians from conflict areas and meeting humanitarian needs. However, I underlined the need to enter the Gaza Strip and neutralize the remaining militias to defeat Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
“While I expressed hope for American support, I made it clear that we would move forward independently if necessary,” he added.