Russia and China use their veto power against a draft American resolution at the United Nations for a ceasefire in Gaza

Russia And China On Friday they vetoed the resolution he proposed United State In the UN Security Council Israel demanded an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, and described the text as “hypocritical” and “ambiguous,” a position that was supported by the Arab group, led by the Palestinians.

The American draft resolution, which emphasizes “the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire” related to the release of the hostages, received 11 votes in favor, compared to three votes against (Russia, China and Algeria), with Guyana abstaining from voting. Agence France-Presse reported.

Chief of American Diplomacy Antony Blinken described Beijing and Moscow's veto as “cynical”permanent members of the Security Council, since the resolution sought to “demonstrate to the international community” the urgent need to reach a ceasefire.

Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, on October 7. The Americans were constantly opposed to the use of the term “ceasefire” in United Nations resolutionsThree texts of this type were blocked.

But in the end, Washington decided to put text to a vote on Friday indicating “the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides and allow the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.”

After meeting with the Israeli authorities in order to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, on his thousandth trip to the region, Blinken warned that Benjamin Netanyahu's government is planning to launch a ground attack on Rafahin the south of the Gaza Strip, where a large portion of Gaza’s population fleeing from other parts of the small area is concentrated, He threatens “more isolation.” Israel In the world”.

The Israeli Foreign Minister said: “We share Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas (…) Carrying out a major ground operation is not the way to achieve this.”

Russian Ambassador to the United NationsVasily Nebenzia, He described the project as an “empty rhetorical exercise.” Which includes a “green light” for Israel to carry out a military operation in Rafah.

He added: “While Gaza has been practically wiped off the map, the American representative assures us, without blinking an eyelid, that Washington recognizes the need for a ceasefire.”

His colleague from Algeria, Ammar Benjameh, in turn, said, “In order to give priority to the immediate cessation of hostilities, The Security Council must take decisive and targeted action to end the violence And paving the way for a sustainable peace process in Palestine and the wider region.

“We still have time to act,” he urged.

Palestinian delegate Riyad Mansour said that Algeria's position “unanimously expresses the Arab position.”

“If the United States had taken the ceasefire seriously, it would not have vetoed several resolutions in the council over and over again,” said Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun, who described the text as “vague,” before urging Washington to “vote in favor” of another draft. . Diplomatic sources said that the decision will be put to a vote on Saturday.

actor United kingdom Before the Security Council She said she was “deeply disappointed” that Russia and China did not support the project. to the American decision.

Barbara Woodward noted that the United Kingdom voted for an “immediate and sustainable ceasefire,” for the release of the Israeli hostages, and “to urge not to launch a ground attack on Rafah.” Quoted from BBC.

This text was seen by Agence France-Presse “Demands an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds during the month of Ramadan” and the immediate release of all hostageswhen the Israeli attack claimed the lives of nearly 32,000 people in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

The US draft resolution also condemns “all terrorist acts, including the Hamas attacks on October 7” against Israel.

This was the first time that the Security Council had specifically condemned these attacks It was unprecedented, and led to the killing of at least 1,160 people, most of them civilians, according to a census conducted by Agence France-Presse based on official Israeli data.

The two humanitarian resolutions adopted by the Council, like the General Assembly resolutions, did not mention Hamas, an absence that Israel systematically condemns.

The Council, which has remained deeply divided over the Israeli-Palestinian issue for years, has only been able to adopt two resolutions on this issue since October 7, and they were mainly of a humanitarian nature.

This has had few results: aid to Gaza remains largely insufficient, Israel continues to withhold it, and famine stalks the Palestinians. Several other political decisions were also rejected by the American veto on the one hand, and the Russian and Chinese vetoes on the other hand, or by an insufficient number of votes.

while, France will work to draft a new United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in GazaPresident Emmanuel Macron said.

In a speech he delivered at the conclusion of the European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Macron said that France “will resume work on the basis of the French draft resolution in the Security Council and will work with our American, European and Arab partners to reach an agreement.” “.

He added: “The Security Council must call for an immediate ceasefire and allow humanitarian access.”