In a dramatic turn of events at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Russia and China joined forces on Friday to veto a US-led draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which also condemned an attack by Hamas, failed to garner support from the two veto-wielding nations, along with Algeria and a Guyana abstention.
Russia’s ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, criticized the resolution as a “typical hypocritical spectacle” by the US, accusing Washington of trying to score political points without addressing the root issues. Nebenzia mocked the US for talking about a ceasefire while Gaza “has been virtually wiped off the face of the Earth.”
China’s representative, Zhang Jun, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the draft resolution “dodged the most central issue” of a ceasefire and lacked clarity on achieving it in the short term.
Despite the setback, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to continue pushing for an alternative resolution for an immediate ceasefire. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour expressed hope that the UNSC would consider another resolution with a clearer call for a ceasefire.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized the Russian and Chinese vetoes as “not just cynical but also petty,” accusing them of hindering efforts for a lasting peace and humanitarian response in Gaza.
The US draft resolution had stopped short of explicitly demanding an immediate end to Israel’s campaign in Gaza, linking a ceasefire to ongoing talks led by Qatar, the US, and Egypt for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with Israel vowing to proceed with an offensive in the city of Rafah, despite opposition from the US and calls for a ceasefire from other nations. Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, has further escalated tensions in the region.
