Russia and China Veto U.N. Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza Conflict

• Roshan Amiri
• . March 24, 2024
• . Update: March 24, 2024 12:52 am
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The United Nations Security Council’s resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict hit a roadblock on Friday as Russia and China vetoed the U.S.-led proposal. The vetoes dealt a significant blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The draft resolution, which garnered support from 11 of the 15 Security Council members, aimed to establish an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. However, Russia and China, two of the five permanent members with veto power, opposed the resolution, citing its lack of strength and failure to adequately address the root causes of the conflict.

Russia’s envoy to the U.N. dismissed the resolution as an “empty rhetorical exercise,” while the U.S. Ambassador accused Russia and China of vetoing the resolution for reasons related to its mention of Hamas’ role in initiating the hostilities.

Ceasefire Seen as Key to Resolving Hostage Crisis in Gaza Conflict

The resolution framed the proposed ceasefire as essential to securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. With over 130 hostages still in captivity, the Biden administration has made their release a priority in its ceasefire efforts.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently on a Middle East tour, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to discuss a potential temporary ceasefire. Blinken reiterated the U.S. opposition to Israel’s plans to invade Rafah, a city on the Gaza-Egypt border, citing concerns over the humanitarian impact on the estimated 1 million Palestinian civilians sheltering there.

Netanyahu Adamant on Eliminating Hamas in Rafah to Resolve Gaza Conflict

Despite U.S. reservations, Netanyahu remained resolute in his determination to enter Rafah and eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions stationed there. The Israeli Prime Minister acknowledged the need for civilian evacuation and humanitarian assistance but insisted on the necessity of the Rafah operation.

“We have no way to defeat Hamas without entering Rafah and eliminating the remnant of the battalions there,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would undertake the operation with or without U.S. support if necessary.

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Continued Diplomatic Efforts Amid Setback in Gaza Conflict

Despite the setback at the U.N. Security Council, the Biden administration remains committed to its ceasefire efforts, with Blinken continuing his diplomatic push in the region. Families of the remaining hostages have urged Biden to use all available means to press Netanyahu to accept a reasonable deal, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

As the conflict enters its sixth month, the vetoed ceasefire resolution underscores the complex challenges faced by international efforts to broker a lasting resolution to the Gaza crisis. With diplomacy ongoing, the prospects for an immediate ceasefire remain uncertain.