Two new resolutions from Russia and the USA on the war between Israel and Hamas were rejected in the UN Security Council this Wednesday, October 26th.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday once again revealed its differences on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, rejecting two competing Russian and American draft resolutions on the war between Israel and Hamas.
The text, drawn up by the United States, called for “a rapid expansion of humanitarian assistance (…) to respond to the dire urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza,” said American Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
It also affirmed “the right of all states to self-defense” and called for “humanitarian pauses.” The American text was blocked by vetoes from Russia and China and received 10 votes in favor, 3 against (Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates) and 2 abstentions.
A first “unbalanced” text
Chinese Ambassador Jun Zhang described a text as “largely unbalanced, confusing good and evil,” while Russia’s Vassili Nebenzia condemned a document that was primarily “intended to consolidate the American position in the region.” In recent days, Russia has particularly pointed out that the American text does not contain a clear call for a “ceasefire”.
“Although today’s vote is a setback, we will not be discouraged,” assured Linda Thomas-Greenfield, accusing Russia of “bad faith” since its resolution was more aimed at “dividing the Council to serve the needs of Israelis and Palestinians.” to do justice.”
This second text prepared by Russia, which called for an immediate “humanitarian ceasefire” and condemned the “heinous attacks by Hamas”, was also rejected, receiving only 4 yes votes (Russia, China, United Arab Emirates, Gabon), two no- Votes (United States and United Kingdom) and 9 abstentions.
The United Kingdom cannot support a text “that once again fails to recognize Israel’s right to self-defense,” said British Ambassador Barbara Woodward.
Already four cancellations
In less than two weeks, the council rejected four draft resolutions, exposing its differences and causing frustration among a number of diplomats over the council’s inability to act on the 19th day of the war between Israel and Hamas.
According to a diplomatic source, France had also tried in vain to persuade Russia and the United States to withdraw their texts shortly before the votes.
On behalf of the ten non-permanent countries of the Council, Malta will now work on a new proposal. “We have a duty and obligation to act,” argued their ambassador Vanessa Frazier.
Last week, a first Russian text was not adopted, receiving five yes votes, although at least nine votes are required (without a veto by one of the five permanent members).
The United States vetoed a resolution drafted by Brazil, which received 12 votes in favor.
Given the visible division in the Security Council, the UN General Assembly will address the issue at a meeting on Thursday and Friday.
Although the resolutions from the assembly, which represents all UN member states, are not binding, Arab countries have proposed a text that could be put to a vote this week.
This project, seen by AFP, calls in particular for an “immediate ceasefire” and “unhindered” humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.