UN Security Council rejects Russia's resolution for Gaza ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has rejected a resolution by Russia for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on humanitarian grounds.

The Russian-led draft resolution received five votes in favour (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and four against (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States), with six abstentions (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland).

To pass, a resolution needs support from at least nine members, and must not be vetoed by the five permanent members - the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK.

The voting took place as Israel prepared to commence a ground attack on the Gaza Strip, after launching artillery and attacks from the air killing at least 2,750 people.

“We are extremely concerned by the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the very high risk of the conflict spreading,” said Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN.

He also blamed the resolution’s failure on the “selfish intention of the Western bloc”.

Russia last Friday proposed the release of hostages, granting access to humanitarian aid, and safe evacuation of civilians.

Hospitals unable to evacuate

Meanwhile, news agency Anadolu reported that the number of Palestinians who died in Israeli attacks by air on the Gaza Strip has reached 2,808 people.

Citing the local Health Ministry, it said at least 10,859 Palestinians were injured by Israeli bombings in the coastal area.

Gaza is reported to be experiencing a humanitarian crisis, without access to electricity and a scarce supply of water, food, fuel, and medicines.

More than a million civilians are making their way to the south of the Gaza Strip after Israel’s warning to evacuate before bombings, but many were unable to leave safely.

Hospitals in Gaza City said there was no way for them to evacuate sick and injured patients in such a short period.

Medical personnel told the New York Times they will remain to treat their patients, including newborns on ventilators, who will die if they are moved.

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