UN Security Council Fails to Adopt Draft Resolution on Israeli-Palestinian Situation
The Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, expressed profound shock and disappointment on Wednesday as the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The draft, proposed by Brazil, garnered support from 12 Security Council members but was ultimately thwarted by a veto cast by the United States.
Ambassador Zhang provided insight into the events surrounding the vote. A draft resolution proposed by the Russian Federation, which focused on the humanitarian aspects of the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, was put to a vote on the evening of October 16. It had the backing and co-sponsorship of several Arab countries. However, some nations opted to vote against it, expressing a desire for more time to build consensus based on Brazil’s proposed draft resolution.
“In the past 40 hours, those countries have neither commented on nor expressed opposition to the Brazilian draft, which led us to expect that today, hopefully, the Council would be able to adopt the resolution. The final result is unbelievable,” Zhang lamented on Wednesday.
The Chinese Ambassador highlighted that China believed there was room for improvement in the Brazilian draft resolution. The revised text aimed to send a strong message demanding a ceasefire to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. As such, China had proposed edits to the text and supported the amendments put forth by the Russian Federation. Regrettably, these amendments were not adopted.
Zhang underscored the rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground in Gaza, where an airstrike on Al-Ahli Hospital resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. In light of these grave circumstances, the Council must take swift and robust action.
The Brazilian draft resolution was seen as reflecting a common international appeal and representing the initial steps the Council could take to establish a ceasefire. It was viewed as potentially the only text upon which the Council could reach consensus under the current circumstances.
Nevertheless, Zhang expressed concern over the inconsistency between certain countries’ rhetoric regarding the importance of the Council taking the right actions and the way they voted. Their actions raised questions about their willingness to allow the Council to take meaningful steps and their sincerity in seeking a solution to the crisis.
In a final analysis, Zhang emphasized that the Council could not afford to remain idle. The situation in Gaza is escalating, with an increasing toll on civilians. He called upon the Council to heed the urgent appeals from Arab countries and the Palestinian people and fulfill its obligations by playing a crucial role in promoting a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and averting a more significant humanitarian disaster.
Amid this escalating conflict, Israel declared a “state of war,” intensifying the local security situation. In response to the growing instability, the Chinese Embassy in Israel issued advisories to Chinese nationals on Wednesday, recommending they return to China or leave the country as soon as possible while commercial flights are still operational to minimize risks and ensure safety.
The embassy suggested that individuals with certain conditions could also consider departing the country through relevant land border crossings, employing methods such as self-driving, with a priority on safety. It assured the Chinese nationals in Israel that every effort would be made to facilitate the normal processing of consular documents, ensuring that their needs were met as they sought to return to China or leave Israel.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to bring peace and stability to the region. The UN Security Council’s recent failure to adopt a resolution underscores the complexities and challenges faced in addressing this long-standing and deeply rooted conflict.
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