UN Security Council Rejects Russia's Proposal Of "Humanitarian Ceasefire" And "Release Of All Hostages" In Israel-Palestine War (image: RussiaUN)

The United Nations Security Council rejected the “humanitarian ceasefire” proposal put forward by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Mr. Putin’s proposal called for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and “release of all hostages”. The 15 membered UN Security Council ruled out the proposal as the said proposal failed to “condemn” Hamas and its attack on Israel on October 7. The countries that abstained proposal also cite the same reason for their take on the proposal.

Russia, China, United Arab Emirates, Gabon and Mozambia were the countries who voted in favour. United States, United Kingdom, France, and Japan were against the proposal. Countries like Malta, Brazil, Albania, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Ghana chose to abstain the proposal. The Arab countries who are members of the United Nation backed the proposal, says Arab News.

Russia’s resolution proposal enunciated “grave concern” over the mounting civilian casualties and emphasised the importance of protecting the civilians of both sides. The resolution called for an immediate, durable, and fully respected “humanitarian ceasefire” and condemned “all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism” and called for the “secure release of all hostages”. Russia asked to provide food, water, medical care and safe evacuation of the civilians.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s representative to UN, said entire world was waiting with “bated breath” for the Security Council take decision in order to “put an end to the bloodletting, but the delegations of Western countries have basically stomped on those expectations”. He said that the stance taken by the members of Security Council make it clear that who are in favour of “truce” and who are against for “purely selfish interests and political interests”.

He also said that Russia is  “deeply disappointed” with the results of voting and the only reason why the proposal was voted out “because they did not want approve anything coming from Russia”.

US representative to the Security Council, Linda Thomas Greenfiled, said by not mentioning Hamas, “Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalizes innocent civilians” and it is very “hypocritical and indefensible” of Russia to do that. She also added that the Council should not be allowed to unfairly shift the blame to Israel and excuse Hamas for its decades of cruelty. Period”. She also called for allowing “full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza – in line with the principle of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence” adhering to providing food, water, medicine and shelter as it is “critical”.

UAE’s envoy, Lana Nusseibeh, said Hamas does not represent the Palestinians who are “suffering tremendously today” and called for the unity of the Security Council which is “desperately needed”.

Chiina’s representative to UN, Jhang Zun said “humanitarian issues should not be politicized”.