The proposed resolution led by the US, which was under consideration for several weeks, expressed a clear need for “an urgent and lasting ceasefire to safeguard civilians on both sides”. It also emphasized the importance of providing essential aid and assisting in negotiations between Israel and Hamas in order to achieve a long-term resolution to the conflict, with the condition of releasing hostages.

The meeting has ended and there is talk of ambassadors possibly reconvening in the afternoon at the Chamber in New York for an emergency session to discuss the new draft that Russia and China have expressed willingness to support.

These are the key moments from this morning’s busy diplomatic efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The US put forth a proposal to stop the conflict in Gaza, but it was rejected by permanent members of the Council, China and Russia. The vote was 11 in favor and 3 against (Algeria, China, Russia), with one member, Guyana, choosing to abstain.

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  Numerous representatives expressed their backing for a recent proposal put forth by the “E-10” coalition comprised of ten rotating members of the Council, urging for a prompt cessation of hostilities.

• The rejected proposal would have required an urgent and continuous end to fighting in Gaza, along with a pressing requirement to increase the amount of humanitarian aid provided to all civilians. It would have also called for the removal of any obstacles preventing aid from reaching those in need.

• The council members had differing opinions on parts of the initial document, and a few noticed conspicuous omissions even though they had voiced various issues to the United States throughout the talks.

• Most ambassadors were in favor of quickly providing large amounts of food and aid to Gaza to save lives. This comes after a UN report on Monday expressed concern about a potential famine in Gaza due to Israel’s interventions in blocking and delaying aid shipments to the besieged area.

• between Israel and Palestine.

  Several Council members have proposed advocating for the two-state solution to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

• The draft’s inability to pass and its lack of condemnation towards Hamas were addressed by the invitation of Israel’s ambassador, who deemed it an indelible mark that will not be erased.

• You can find summaries of this and other United Nations meetings on our colleagues’ website, UN Meetings Coverage. They offer coverage in both English and French languages.

The Arab Group expresses condemnation for the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.

The Arab Group of nations’ representatives went to the media stakeout near the Security Council after the vote and expressed their support for the statement made by Algeria’s Ambassador during the meeting.

Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine, expressed the unity of the Group and condemned the “genocide” suffered by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The full statement can be viewed below:

10:20 AM

The Ambassador states that while Israel is allowing aid into Gaza, the Council has not denounced Hamas.

Gilad Erdan, the Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations, spoke at the Security Council meeting about the current state of affairs in the Middle East, specifically regarding the Palestinian issue.

The Israeli Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, stated that the proposed resolution would have been the first condemnation by a UN body of Hamas’s attack on Israel. However, its failure to get approved is a lasting mark that will not be forgotten.

According to the speaker, the strategy of Hamas is to use Gazans as human shields in order to increase civilian casualties. This plan is aimed at pressuring Israel to end its military operation. Additionally, the speaker claims that Hamas also presents false data and figures to support its cause.

He stated that while all civilian fatalities in Gaza are sorrowful, the sole responsibility falls on Hamas.

He argued that the so-called “Hamas propaganda” about a “libelous famine” in Gaza is untrue. His government claims that 341,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid has been delivered to the enclave in hundreds of trucks.

He stated that the only path towards a cessation of hostilities is through the destruction of all Hamas units, and the route to achieving this passes through Rafah.

The conflict in Gaza is not just a fight with Hamas. Iran continues to be committed to eradicating Israel, according to the speaker.

10:00 AM

The conflict in Guyana cannot be resolved until a ceasefire is immediately implemented.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the Ambassador of Guyana to the United Nations, delivered a speech at the Security Council meeting regarding the current state of affairs in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue.

According to Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett from Guyana, their country chose to abstain due to the resolution’s lack of an immediate ceasefire call.

The devastating loss of life, injuries, and damage in Gaza cannot be stopped without an urgent ceasefire. It is the responsibility of this Council to strongly urge for one, while also recognizing the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

She stated that a ceasefire should not be connected to the act of taking hostages. “The Palestinian people should not be held accountable for the wrongdoings of others.”

09:49 AM

China criticized the council for their lack of urgency on implementing a ceasefire.

China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun said that the most urgent action the Council should take is calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, in line with the wishes of the UN General Assembly and the UN Secretary-General.

China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun spoke at the Security Council meeting, discussing the state of affairs in the Middle East and the issue of Palestine.

He stated that the Council’s actions had been delayed and too much time had been wasted on this matter.

In order to protect the UN Charter and the Council’s “dignity,” China voted against the US draft, as requested by Arab States.

He referred to the recently proposed resolution by the Council’s 10 chosen members, currently being circulated. He stated, “This draft is unambiguous regarding the need for a ceasefire and aligns with the appropriate direction of the Council’s actions. It holds great significance and China fully backs it.”

He accused the UK and US of being hypocritical for criticizing China’s use of veto and suggested that if they genuinely wanted a ceasefire, they should back the proposed new draft.

09:45 AM

for the United Nations General Assembly

France is set to put forward a new proposal in the form of a draft resolution to be considered by the United Nations General Assembly.

The French Ambassador, Nicholas de Rivière, emphasized the need for the Security Council to take action as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. He reiterated his support for the proposed measures and stressed the importance of adhering to international law and facilitating the transport of aid through access points in Gaza.

France continues to object to Israel’s invasion of Rafah and stressed the critical necessity of providing sufficient aid to the territory. Emphasizing the significance of achieving a two-state resolution to the conflict, France intends to present a proposal to the Council on this matter.

09:40 AM

Algeria has stated that the US resolution would have allowed for the continuation of violence.

According to Ambassador Amar Bendjama of Algeria, if the Council had approved its resolution in late February, many innocent lives could have been spared.

The Ambassador of Algeria, Amar Benjama, spoke at a Security Council meeting about the current state of affairs in the Middle East, including the issue of Palestine.

He stated that Algeria has suggested sensible changes to the initial draft that was released by the US more than a month ago. He recognized that some of their suggestions were incorporated, but there are still unresolved issues that need to be addressed in the text to create a more fair and agreeable version.

Algeria has emphasized the urgency of an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life but regrettably the draft fell short and his country had therefore voted against it.

The Palestinian population has faced great suffering for a duration of five months, resulting in a staggering loss of over 32,000 lives in Gaza. Additionally, more than 74,000 individuals have been wounded, and 12,000 now have permanent disabilities.

According to him, these numbers symbolize lost lives, shattered dreams, and “hopes that have been destroyed.” He emphasized that the US version did not acknowledge Israel’s accountability for causing their deaths.

According to him, it is important for the Arab and Islamic community to recognize that Israel will face consequences for its actions.

Bringing attention to the importance of implementing measures to minimize harm to civilians and using the term “operations” suggests justification for ongoing violence by Israel. He also warned that if the operation in Rafah proceeds, it will have disastrous outcomes.

9:30 AM

Providing humanitarian aid to Gaza is a top priority for the UK and we will do our utmost to ensure that aid reaches those in need.

The UK is committed to doing everything in our power to deliver aid to Gaza and make sure it reaches those who require it, as providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza is a crucial goal for us.

Ambassador Barbara Woodward of the United Kingdom stated that her team cast a positive vote in favor, citing the urgent need for aid in light of the severe crisis faced by Palestinians. She also expressed disappointment towards China and Russia for vetoing the proposed resolution, particularly in light of it being the Council’s first stance against Hamas.

She stated that the UK will make every effort to deliver critical aid to Gaza through all possible means, including land, sea, and air routes.

09:26 AM

Diplomatic negotiations between the US and their counterpart have not been aided by the unsuccessful alternative course of action.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Ambassador, speaking at the Security Council meeting about the state of affairs in the Middle East, including the concerns surrounding Palestine.

The US ambassador stated that Russia’s vetoing of the resolution reflects their prioritization of politics over progress, criticizing their actions as hypocritical since they live in a similar vulnerable position.

According to her, Russia and China were not making significant efforts towards promoting peace.

She expressed that the updated text lacks support for delicate diplomacy in the area and could provide Hamas with a reason to back out of the current agreement. She also stated that the US will continue to collaborate with Qatar and Egypt in their efforts towards peace in the ongoing negotiations.

09:22 AM

in United Nations

The United States’ resolution in the United Nations was vetoed by Russia and China.

After counting the votes, it was determined that three countries, including Russia and China, voted against the US proposal, causing it to be rejected due to a veto. On the other hand, 11 votes were cast in favor of the proposal.

09:13 AM

Prior to the vote, the Russian Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that the US had repeatedly made assurances to reach an agreement to cease hostilities.

Currently, the United States has acknowledged the necessity for a halt in fighting, after more than 30,000 people in Gaza have already lost their lives.

He stated that the United States was attempting to persuade the Council by incorporating the term imperative in its resolution.

He declared that the Council must demand a ceasefire because saying “this is not enough.”

According to his statement, there was no mention of a ceasefire in the written document. He accused the leaders of the US of purposely misleading the global population. He also claimed that the drafted document was merely an attempt to appease American voters, or to give them false hope with a ceasefire that does not truly exist.

“If you approve this motion,” he informed the ambassadors, “you will bring shame upon yourselves.”

He stated that there was a different draft resolution being spread by certain Council members which was fair and non-partisan.

 09:08 AM

Prior to the vote, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, representing the US, expressed the goal of her delegation for an instantaneous and continuous ceasefire. However, she acknowledged that it will require arduous diplomatic efforts to turn this aim into a tangible outcome on the battlefield.

She stated that negotiations in Qatar are ongoing to establish a lasting ceasefire, noting that they are nearing completion but have not reached that point yet.

According to her, the proposed resolution could potentially exert pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement that would bring an end to the conflict and facilitate the release of hostages.

She stated that by passing the resolution, Hamas would finally be denounced and the dire pain and aggression currently plaguing Gaza would be eased. It also emphasizes the misguidedness of an invasion of Rafah.

09:06 AM

The Permanent Representative of Japan is extending an invitation to the representatives of Palestine and Israel to attend the meeting.

09:00 AM

This month, Japan holds the presidency and their Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki will soon open the meeting with a gavel.

08:50 AM

Following weeks of discussions among Security Council members in New York, the US proposal represents a change in stance compared to the previous meeting on February 20th in which the US utilized its veto power to reject a resolution put forth by Algeria calling for a prompt ceasefire.

The resolution from the US, significantly, is not requesting an instant and continuous halt to hostilities, but instead emphasizing the urgent need for one.

At that time, thirteen nations supported the resolution, while the UK chose not to vote. The US opposed it due to concerns about disrupting active negotiations and proposed a separate resolution denouncing Hamas, which aimed to achieve a temporary ceasefire by securing the release of hostages.

What is the purpose of the US resolution?

• Requires an urgent and lasting stop to hostilities, as well as a pressing call to increase the distribution of humanitarian aid to all civilians in Gaza and remove any obstacles hindering large-scale aid delivery.

• Both Israel and armed groups are required to fulfill their responsibilities according to international law. This includes safeguarding the safety and well-being of humanitarian workers and medical personnel.

• Condemns all acts of terrorism including the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October, the taking and killing of hostages, murder of civilians, sexual violence and condemns the use of civilian buildings for military purposes

• Opposes any coerced relocation of civilians in Gaza.

• It is imperative that Hamas and other armed organizations provide immediate humanitarian assistance to any remaining hostages.

• The Council expresses its complete backing for Sigrid Kaag, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, and the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, in their efforts to establish the new UN aid mechanism as outlined in resolution 2720.

• Emphasized the crucial role of the Senior Coordinator in spearheading the efforts for rebuilding and recovery in Gaza.

• Requests that all parties adhere to established humanitarian protocols and procedures for mitigating civilian casualties.

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  Denounces any Israeli actions that may diminish the size of Gaza and denounces the urging of certain Israeli officials for the relocation of Gaza or alteration of demographics in the region.

• Reaffirms condemnation of the ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on shipping in the Red Sea
• Reiterates the Security Council’s “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution”

These are the notable points from the previous vote held by the Council on Gaza on February 20:

• The US vetoed Algeria’s resolution requesting an instant ceasefire in Gaza and put forth their own alternative text that denounces Hamas while endorsing a temporary ceasefire.

• On Tuesday, the US is predicted to release their own version of the draft. However, it appears that reaching an agreement will be challenging, as both Russia and China have expressed strong disapproval of the US using its veto power for the third time in ceasefire resolutions.

• Members of the council express sadness over the ongoing suffering in Gaza and criticize Israel’s potential military intervention in Rafah.

• The ambassador of Algeria affirms that they will persist in seeking the Council’s attention to put maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire that will bring an end to the violence.

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  “The ambassador for the State of Palestine, as an observer, states that this veto does not release Israel from its responsibilities.”

• to the United Nations

  “According to Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, a ceasefire would be equivalent to a death sentence for both Israelis and ordinary Gazans.”

• The ambassador of Qatar, representing the Gulf Cooperation Council, states that her delegation will persist in its efforts to facilitate the release of all hostages, safeguard civilians, and achieve a ceasefire.

Source: news.un.org