U.N. Fails to Pass Resolutions on Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has failed to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, with both U.S. and Russian resolutions being rejected, marking the fourth unsuccessful attempt to pass a resolution since the war began on Oct. 7.

The U.S.-drafted resolution sought to reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense, emphasize the importance of adhering to international laws, especially in protecting civilians, and called for “humanitarian pauses” to allow the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza. In the council’s vote on Wednesday, 10 nations voted in favor of the resolution, but permanent members Russia and China exercised their veto power to block it.

U.S. Representative to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed her frustration on social media, saying, “While they [Russia and China] obstruct, we continue to work with all Member States to support the efforts of Antonio Guterres, President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, and regional actors to build a more peaceful and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

Russia’s proposed resolution, which called for an immediate “humanitarian ceasefire” and unequivocally condemned Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and indiscriminate attacks on Gaza’s civilians and civilian infrastructure, only received four affirmative votes, from Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Gabon. Nine “yes” votes are required for a resolution to pass. The U.S. and the United Kingdom voted against, and nine countries abstained.

Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, emphasized that NGOs in Gaza are primarily calling for a ceasefire and urged the council not to miss this opportunity. He stated that the U.S. is working to ensure that the potential resolution will not impact Israel’s ground operation in Gaza.

These failed resolutions follow the council’s rejection of a Russian resolution last week, which did not mention Hamas and failed to garner the required nine “yes” votes. Additionally, a resolution introduced by Brazil, which called for humanitarian aid, was widely supported but vetoed by the U.S.

In response to these developments, Malta’s U.N. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, speaking on behalf of the 10 elected members of the council serving two-year terms, announced their intent to work on a new proposal in the coming days, emphasizing the duty and obligation they have as elected members representing the international community.

Previously, senior Israeli diplomats called for the resignation of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres following a speech that was viewed as justifying the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7.