UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council was due to vote on Monday (early Tuesday morning in Pakistan) on rival draft resolutions on Israel and Gaza that focus largely on the humanitarian situation, but it was unclear whether either stood a chance of being adopted.
The draft texts have been submitted by Russia and Brazil. A resolution needs at least nine of the 15 members’ votes to pass and no vetoes by Britain, China, France, Russia or the United States, the council’s five permanent members.
The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel in any action by the Security Council. A spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations declined to comment when asked about the impending votes.
Russia’s draft calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire”, while the Brazilian draft calls for “humanitarian pauses” to allow aid access. Both condemn violence and hostilities against civilians and “all acts of terrorism” and call for the release of prisoners.
The Brazilian draft condemns Hamas for its raids on Israel, while the Russian draft does not name Hamas.
Without naming Israel, the Brazilian text also calls for the rescinding of the Israeli order for civilians and UN staff in northern Gaza Strip to relocate to southern Gaza.
“We are convinced that our draft better meets the humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Gaza and doesn’t contain political elements that could divide members of the UNSC and affect its role in the settlement of the crisis,” Russia’s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy posted on X.
Israel is preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza while subjecting the strip to the most intense bombardment ever, putting the enclave under total siege. Gaza authorities say at least 2,750 people have been killed.
Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2023
Source: dawn.com
