UN Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Israeli war on Gaza

Ahram Online , AFP , Tuesday 17 Oct 2023

The UN Security Council on Monday rejected a Russian resolution condemning the violence in the Middle East, with delegates refusing to back a motion that did not mention Hamas' attacks in Israel, which left around 1,400 people dead.


UN Security Council

 

Four countries voted with Russia on its proposed text; China, UAE, Mozambique and Gabon, while four others voted against; the US, UK, France and Japan. Six abstained.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said despite its failure to pass, the resolution had "spurred the council to action."

Israel's Gilad Erdan said the council, which has not adopted a resolution on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories since 2016, stood at "one of its most pivotal crossroads."

Palestine's Riyad Mansour said the council had a moral duty to restrain Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which he said claims 12 lives every hour.

The council's rejection came as Israel readied for an expected ground assault on the Gaza Strip, after air and artillery strikes that officials say have killed at least 2,800 Palestinians.

It also came as the White House announced that US President Joe Biden would visit Israel on Wednesday, where he will "demonstrate his steadfast support" for the country.

While major Western nations have yet to condemn Israel's actions, global voices advocating for peace and supporting the Palestinian cause are gaining momentum, demanding an immediate halt to Israel's ongoing massacres.

Hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents are grappling with the urgent need to move to the southern half of the territory due to Israel's forced evacuation orders, with nearly one million Palestinians forced to abandon their homes to date.

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