At the UNSC, Russia and China rejected a US draft resolution linking a ceasefire in Gaza to the release of hostages and calling for diplomacy. Both Russia and China used their veto power against the resolution, which spoke of the "imperative for an immediate and lasting ceasefire" and condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas. The resolution failed to pass the council.
"RESOLUTION GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO ISRAEL"
The Russian Ambassador called on all UNSC members to vote against the US resolution.
Moscow accused Washington of making a "hypocritical show" of not putting pressure on Israel. Russia's UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, said the resolution was extremely political and gave Israel the green light to launch a military operation in Rafah.
"IT WILL LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF GAZA"
"This resolution would give Israel the right to act as it pleases and threaten the entire population of Gaza with extermination or expulsion," Nebenzia said.
Nebenzia said a group of temporary members of the Security Council had prepared an alternative draft resolution. Describing this draft resolution as more neutral, Nebenzia said there was no reason for UN Security Council members not to support the alternative resolution.
The first statement on the vetoes came from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron announced that France would work on a new "Gaza ceasefire" resolution to be submitted to the UN following the vetoes of Russia and China.
