The
United Nations Security Council has declined to pass a United States-sponsored resolution calling for “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war in
Gaza after
China and
Russia vetoed the resolution. The resolution stated it is “imperative” to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid to be delivered to more than two million
Palestinians as famine looms and the death toll from
Israeli bombs continues to mount. The resolution emphasised “the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire,” with no direct link to the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which was in the previous draft. But it would unequivocally support diplomatic efforts “to secure such a cease-fire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages. Russia hit out at the resolution, with their delegate warning anyone who supported it would be covered in "disgrace", and along with China was one of three member states to vote against the resolution. READ MORE: Biden and Netanyahu clash dubbed 'hot air' as US could end war but isn't using crucial 'leverage' Tens of thousands have been killed by Israeli bombs with famine now looming ( Image: AFP via Getty Images) As permanent members, China and Russia's veto of the resolution overrules the 11 members that voted in favour of the resolution. Algeria also voted against the resolution. Russia's UN envoy called the resolution an "empathy rhetoric exercise". Vasily Nebenzya, representing Russia, warned: "If you do this, you'll cover yourselves in disgrace." He called the resolution "exceedingly politicised... to establish the US's ambitions in the region and ensure the impunity of Israel whose crimes in the draft are not assessed." The US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said in response the US "our forward a resolution in good faith". Adding: "Unfortunately, Russia and China decided to exercise its veto. Russia's envoy Vasily Nebenzya hit out at the resolution ( Image: Sky News) "Now Russia and China will give you all sorts of explanations for obstruction. But whether or not it will admit it, there [are] two deeply, deeply cynical reasons behind its votes. "Russia and China refuses to condemn Hamas for burning people alive, for gunning down innocent civilians at a concert, for raping
Women and girls, for taking hundreds of people hostage. This was the deadliest single attack on Jews since the
Holocaust and a permanent member of this council can't even condemn it. It's really outrageous." Russia ’s deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky said
Moscow will not be satisfied “with anything that doesn’t call for an immediate cease-fire,” saying it’s what U.S.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing for and what “everybody” wants. He questioned the wording of the draft, asking, “What’s an imperative? I have an imperative to give you $100, but … it’s only an imperative, not $100.” “So, somebody’s fooling around, I think, (with the) international community,” the
Russian envoy said. The Security Council had already adopted two resolutions on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but none calling for a cease-fire. Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in late October calling for pauses in the fighting to deliver aid, protection of civilians, and a halt to arming Hamas. They said it didn’t reflect global calls for a cease-fire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been a key figure in negotiations of the current war ( Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The U.S., Israel ’s closest ally, has vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire, the most recent an Arab-backed measure supported by 13 council members with one abstention on Feb. 20. A day earlier, the U.S. circulated a rival resolution, which has gone through major changes during negotiations before today's vote. It initially would have supported a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of all hostages, and the previous draft would have supported international efforts for a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal. This comes as Blinken, America’s top diplomat, is on his sixth urgent mission to the
Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war, discussing a deal for a cease-fire and hostage release, as well as post-war scenarios. Nate Evans, the spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations who announced the Friday morning vote, said: “This resolution is an opportunity for the Council to speak with one voice to support the diplomacy happening on the ground and pressure Hamas to accept the deal on the table.” Meanwhile, the 10 elected members of the Security Council have been drafting their own resolution, which would demand an immediate humanitarian cease-fire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that began March 10 to be “respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire.” It also demands “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages ” and emphasizes the urgent need to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip.