Russia Has Expressed Regret That UN Failed to Stop Gaza War

Moscow : Russia has expressed regret that the United Nations Security Council remains unable to halt the violence and humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip, citing repeated vetoes by the United States. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the council’s inability to stop bloodshed and protect civilians “deeply regrettable and disappointing” in a statement published on its official website on Friday.

On Thursday, a group of non-permanent Security Council members attempted once again to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. All members voted in favor of the draft except the United States, which exercised its veto for the seventh time since the recent escalation, according to Xinhua news agency.

Russia emphasized that its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains consistent. While condemning the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, Moscow clarified that the attack “cannot and should not be used as a pretext for the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians or for escalating the conflict in the Middle East.” The ministry added that achieving lasting peace requires a just settlement of the Palestinian issue and recognition of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Earlier on September 18, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding that Israel immediately lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid and delivery in Gaza. The draft also called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, along with the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.

The draft, proposed by the 10 elected council members, secured 14 votes in favor. The U.S., a permanent member with veto power, blocked the resolution, drawing widespread criticism. Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama described the voting outcome as a moral failure, stating that the 14 members voting in favor acted “with conscience” and that the council’s inability to act represents “another scar on the conscience of humanity.”

Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman echoed this sentiment, calling Thursday’s vote “a profound moral failure.” He noted that the draft adhered to the UN Charter, reflecting the minimal action necessary to protect civilians.

Russian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned that the Security Council will not achieve breakthroughs on the Middle East issue as long as Washington views multilateral diplomacy as an obstacle rather than a tool. He said, “The UN Security Council will remain a helpless witness to this catastrophe, paralyzed not by structural flaws, but by the lack of will of one delegation.”

Nebenzia also criticized the U.S. claim that the draft resolution would undermine diplomacy, pointing to Israel’s attack on Qatar, a key mediator, as evidence that Israel lacks genuine interest in peace. “Blaming Hamas for derailing the talks is utterly absurd,” he said.

British UN ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed regret that the council could not reach consensus. “We need a ceasefire more than ever. Israel’s reckless expansion pushes us further from a deal to bring hostages home and end civilian suffering,” she said.

Woodward highlighted the humanitarian crisis, calling it “an entirely man-made famine in Gaza,” with thousands of Palestinians struggling for food. She urged Israel to end the bloodshed, lift restrictions on aid, and allow UN and humanitarian agencies to save lives.

–IANS