The Russians and Chinese vetoed the US draft resolution on the Gaza ceasefire at the UN

Washington, Israel’s main ally, which has vetoed previous calls for a ceasefire, proposed a resolution that for the first time endorsed “the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire” and condemned the October 7 attack by the Islamist group Hamas.

Russia and China used their veto power, Algeria also voted once morest, and Guyana abstained. The other 11 members of the Security Council, including permanent members France and the United Kingdom, voted in favor.

Russia’s ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, said the US was doing nothing to rein in Israel and mocked Washington for talking regarding a ceasefire when “the Gaza Strip is practically wiped off the face of the earth”.

“We were watching a typical hypocritical performance,” he said. – The American product is extremely politicized, and its only purpose is to please the voters and throw them a bone by somehow mentioning the ceasefire in Gaza [Ruože].“

The resolution “will ensure impunity for Israel, whose crimes are not even assessed in the draft,” he said.

The draft links the ceasefire to ongoing talks led by Qatar, backed by the United States and Egypt, for an end to the war in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.

Washington’s ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield (Linda Tomas Greenfield) called Russia and China’s veto not only cynical, but also petty behavior.

“Russia and China simply did not want to vote for a resolution drafted by the United States,” she said.

“Let’s be honest – despite the fiery rhetoric, we all know that Russia and China are doing nothing through diplomatic means to ensure lasting peace or contribute significantly to the humanitarian response,” she said.