A Russian-backed UN Security Council resolution that called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the battle between Israel and the Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza failed to pass on Monday, while a vote on a rival Brazilian text was delayed until Tuesday.
The draft resolution obtained five votes in favor and four votes against, along with six abstentions. A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain – to pass.
Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the council after the vote, “Today, the entire world waited with bated breath for the Security Council to take steps to put an end to the bloodletting, but the delegations of the Western countries have stomped on those expectations.”
Russia on Friday proposed the one-page draft text, which also called for the release of hostages, humanitarian aid access, and the safe evacuation of civilians in need. The text denounced brutality against civilians and all acts of terrorism, without naming any sides.
Israeli air strikes on Gaza have killed at least 2,837 people – half of whom are said to be children – and injured 10,000 others.
Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in the Gaza Strip after its fighters stormed Israeli towns, killed 1,300 people, and seized hostages.
Israel is also readying for a ground attack in Gaza while subjecting the enclave to the most severe bombardment ever, placing Gaza under total siege – which the UN has cautioned would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the impoverished, overcrowded enclave.
