US Resolution For A Cease-Fire In Gaza Is Rejected By The UN Security Council

(NewsSpace.com) – The Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing since the militant group launched its offensive on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis in a series of surprise attacks. The Jewish state immediately launched a counterattack on Gaza with the sole purpose of eradicating Hamas. Unfortunately, there have been tens of thousands of innocent victims and much of the world is calling for a ceasefire. The United States recently introduced a resolution to that effect, but it was rejected.

China, Russia, and Algeria were the three nations in the 15-member Security Council that voted against the resolution, with officials saying it was too ambiguous and not tough enough on Israel. Guyana abstained.

The resolution reportedly called for a six-week abstention from fighting but didn’t specify a timeline. It did, however, call for the outright condemnation of Hamas, and state that the cease-fire should be done “in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.” It’s a notable shift in the US’s position, as it has previously rejected calls for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s right to defend itself.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN ambassador, said that while Russia supports an immediate ceasefire, he called the wording of the resolution into question, saying it was diluted and philosophical. He accused the measure of being “exceedingly politicized” with a “sole purpose” of “play[ing] the voters” and failing to address the crimes of Israel.

China’s UN Ambassador, Zhang Jun, also called the language “ambiguous and evasive on critical issues,” saying if the US really wanted a ceasefire, “it wouldn’t have vetoed time and again multiple council resolutions.”

The United States was quick to refute the accusations. National Security spokesman John Kirby said China and Russia were quick to vote against the resolution “simply because [the US] authored it.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to go full steam ahead with invading Rafah, with or without the US’ support. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Tel Aviv to discourage Israel’s leader, but efforts so far have failed to deter Netanyahu.