UN Security Council Fails to Adopt Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza

A resolution drafted by Russia in the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza failed to obtain the minimum required nine votes in the 15-member council. The resolution received five votes in favor, four against, while six members abstained from voting. Russia proposed the draft text on Friday, which also called for the release of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the safe evacuation of civilians in need. The text condemned violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism but did not mention Hamas by name. Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya expressed regret that the council remains "hostage to Western delegations," as he put it. Nebenzya added, "We are deeply concerned about the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza." For her part, the UAE's representative to the Security Council, Lana Nusseibeh, stated that "Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people suffering in the Gaza Strip." She emphasized that "civilians in Gaza face indiscriminate war without a safe haven," calling for the unconditional release of hostages.