In a recent UN Security Council meeting, a Russian amendment to a resolution proposed by Malta regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was not adopted. The amendment called for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire to halt the ongoing hostilities. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s representative to the UN, emphasized the imperative of ending the fighting in order to carry out essential humanitarian actions such as clearing debris, evacuating people, and delivering much-needed fuel to Gaza’s hospitals, which are running low on electricity.
Five countries, including Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and Mozambique, voted in favor of the amendment. The United States opposed it, while nine countries abstained from voting. The final resolution adopted by the Security Council included appeals for humanitarian pauses but did not explicitly call for a ceasefire or cessation of hostilities. Instead, it focused on the issue of protecting children in Gaza. Twelve countries voted in favor of the resolution, while three abstained, including Russia.
Nebenzya emphasized that the proposed humanitarian pauses cannot serve as a substitute for a comprehensive and strong product from the Security Council that unequivocally calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He expressed hope that work on such a product will begin in the near future.
According to the resolution, the Security Council demands that all parties involved adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, especially children. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, driven by territorial interests, has been a source of tension and confrontation in the region for many decades. The UN, with the active participation of the USSR in 1947, decided to establish two states – Israel and Palestine, but only the former materialized.
The recent escalation of the conflict began after Hamas forces from the Gaza Strip attacked Israel on the morning of October 7th, targeting both military and civilian areas and taking hostages. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation “Iron Swords” in Gaza. Within a few days of the attack, they gained control of all populated areas near the border and conducted airstrikes on various targets, including civilian ones, within the enclave. Additionally, Tel Aviv imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, halting the supply of water, food, electricity, medication, and fuel. The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 11,500, with over 4,000 of them being children. More than 29,000 people have been injured. In Israel, over 1,400 people have died, including 20 Russians. Approximately 200-250 people are believed to be held captive by Hamas.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflict. The failure of the Security Council to pass the Russian amendment highlights the challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. It is crucial for international actors to work towards a comprehensive solution that prioritizes the protection of civilians and the establishment of peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
