{"id":295045,"date":"2024-04-08T11:35:55","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T15:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=295045"},"modified":"2024-04-11T13:34:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T17:34:13","slug":"meeting-two-weeks-after-russian-federation-china-veto-security-council-resolution-on-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-general-assembly-debates-ramifications","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/meeting-two-weeks-after-russian-federation-china-veto-security-council-resolution-on-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-general-assembly-debates-ramifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting Two Weeks after Russian Federation, China Veto Security Council Resolution on Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza, General Assembly Debates Ramifications"},"content":{"rendered":"
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8 April 2024<\/div>\n
SEVENTY-EIGHTH SESSION,<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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66TH & 67TH MEETINGS (AM & PM)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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GA\/12591<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Speakers Discuss Failure to Speak on Gravely Important Matter, Citing Months of Paralysis as Humanitarian, Political Crisis in Territory Continues<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Security Council failed to speak on a matter of grave importance as it remained paralyzed for months as the crisis in Gaza continued and vetoes proliferated, speakers told the General Assembly today, in a meeting triggered by vetoes cast by the Russian Federation and China on 22\u00a0March to reject the adoption of a Council resolution submitted by the United States on the conflict in Gaza.<\/p>\n

In April\u00a02022, the Assembly adopted a resolution titled \u201cStanding mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council\u201d (document\u00a0A\/RES\/76\/262<\/a>), which has come to be described as the \u201cveto initiative\u201d. \u00a0Under this initiative, the General Assembly has a standing mandate to convene within 10 working days of a veto being cast in the Council.<\/p>\n

While Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago), President of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly<\/strong>, hailed the veto initiative as a \u201cpioneering tool for transparency and accountability\u201d, he expressed regret that the Assembly must routinely employ it \u201cdue to the perennial inability of the Security Council to speak with one voice on matters of grave importance\u201d. \u00a0Noting that the conflict in Gaza \u201crages into its sixth bloody month\u201d as divisions in the Council persist, he underscored that the international community\u2019s demands have been clear.<\/p>\n

Presenting them, he called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; for all parties to comply with their international-law obligations; for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages; and for unhindered, unconditional humanitarian aid. \u00a0While he welcomed Council resolution 2728 (2024) \u2014 which demanded an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan \u2014 he recalled recent examples of human suffering in Gaza and said: \u201cIt cannot be the case that we normalize around these shameful disconnects.\u201d<\/p>\n

He therefore urged Council members to use their power to support an immediate and lasting ceasefire, adding: \u201cWe have enough stories of death and division to fill the history books for generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of the Russian Federation<\/strong> then took the floor, recalling that the veto initiative was envisaged as a unique means to draw attention to alleged abuse by a permanent Council member. \u00a0He stressed that the vetoes in question today, however, prevented the adoption of a draft resolution that not only did not aim to end hostilities in Gaza, but also \u201cgave Israel carte blanche to continue its inhumane operations\u201d. \u00a0The United States\u2019 draft did not contain a demand or call for a ceasefire, he added \u2014 instead, it provided Israel with unique license to continue killing Palestinians.<\/p>\n

Building on that, the representative of China<\/strong> pointed out that the United States \u2014 a country with significant influence over the parties concerned \u2014 has \u201crepeatedly obstructed the Council\u2019s voice\u201d by vetoing the organ\u2019s efforts to promote an immediate ceasefire on four occasions. \u00a0Moreover, adoption of the United States\u2019 draft would have meant that both killings in Gaza and violations of international law would continue. \u00a0\u201cChina has no hesitation in exercising its veto against a draft resolution that would have such serious consequences,\u201d he stressed, adding that his delegation\u2019s actions \u201ccan stand the test of history\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States<\/strong>, meanwhile, said that his delegation put forth a draft on 22\u00a0March in good faith after consulting all Council members and \u201caccommodating significant edits\u201d. \u00a0However, the Russian Federation and China \u2014 rather than supporting diplomacy to release the hostages and secure a ceasefire \u2014 attacked the United States. \u00a0\u201cWe just heard more of the same today,\u201d he observed, emphasizing that, while the Russian Federation and China \u201cattack and distract\u201d, the United States remains engaged in on-the-ground diplomacy. \u00a0Underscoring that his country supports a ceasefire, he said that negotiations to achieve that are ongoing with the help of Egypt and Qatar.<\/p>\n

For her part, Qatar\u2019s representative<\/strong> said that today\u2019s meeting emphasizes the Council\u2019s paralysis \u201cin the context of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world in this century\u201d. \u00a0Urging the organ to shoulder its responsibility and halt Israel\u2019s aggression, she underlined the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0In partnership with Egypt and the United States, Qatar is working to release the hostages, guarantee the delivery of humanitarian assistance, protect civilians and end the bloodletting endured by Palestinians in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Egypt\u2019s representative<\/strong> similarly condemned Israel\u2019s bloody war against the defenceless Palestinian people and warned against the regional repercussions of the crisis. \u00a0Israel has disregarded all resolutions adopted on Gaza; even more, it now fights the UN, having killed 179 UN staff members. \u00a0Against that backdrop, he stated that Israel should be forced to implement resolution 2728 (2024) and should be stopped from launching any military operation in Rafah, also urging the implementation of Human Rights Council resolutions prohibiting weapon exports to Israel\u2019s war machine.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom well before the establishment of the UN or the State of Israel, the Palestinians\u2019 goal has been clear \u2014 the annihilation of the Jews,\u201d said Israel\u2019s representative<\/strong>. \u00a0While the UN was established in the wake of the Second World War to prevent atrocities like the Holocaust, he stated that the same genocidal ideology is still prevalent among Palestinians.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet the UN, founded to prevent Nazi ideology from spreading, has committed itself to reinforcing modern-day Nazi jihadists,\u201d he emphasized, adding: \u201cIf Hitler was alive today, he would be singing the UN\u2019s praises.\u201d \u00a0Underscoring that the deradicalization of Palestinian society is a \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d demand for Israel, he said that nothing perpetuates a conflict more than one side believing they can force their demands on the other through a third party.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it that the party colonizing and committing genocide can be a full member of the United Nations and the party committed to the rule of international law and just and lasting peace cannot?\u201d asked the observer for the State of Palestine<\/strong>. \u00a0Israel has besieged, bombed and starved an entire population and, if it thought it would be held accountable, it would never have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians \u2014 including 14,000 children \u2014 alongside journalists, UN staff, aid workers and medical personnel.<\/p>\n

He further asked:\u00a0 \u201cWhen will the victims finally receive protection and support, rather than the perpetrators?\u201d \u00a0Adding that an overwhelming majority of Member States have repeatedly supported Palestine\u2019s full UN membership, he declared:\u00a0 \u201cStop the genocide, ensure accountability, recognize Palestine and support its membership at the UN \u2014 mobilize for its freedom and we shall achieve peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nigeria\u2019s representative<\/strong>, calling on permanent Council members to uphold their responsibilities, rise above sectional politics and find a solution to the current crisis, joined others in voicing support for Palestine\u2019s full membership in the United Nations. \u00a0\u201cIn this regard, any attempt by any party to the conflict to refuse to accept the two-State solution should be firmly rejected,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n

Throughout the day\u2019s discussion, many speakers spotlighted the Council\u2019s inability to act as the conflict in Gaza passed from one month to the next, also reflecting on the impact that resolution 2728 (2024) \u2014 adopted three days after the vetoes that triggered today\u2019s meeting were cast \u2014 has had to date.<\/p>\n

Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand<\/strong>, observed that, since the start of the current crisis in Gaza, the veto has been used five times to prevent the Council from acting decisively. \u00a0Calling on all parties to comply with resolution 2728 (2024) without delay, he stressed:\u00a0 \u201cPalestinian civilians must not be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of Saudi Arabia<\/strong>, speaking for the Arab Group<\/strong>, recalled that the Council either saw \u201cthe abortion of resolutions that clearly called for a ceasefire\u201d or drafts \u2014 such as the one in question today \u2014 that avoided such a call. \u00a0Demanding full implementation of resolution 2728 (2024), he stressed that a ceasefire will not delay or obstruct diplomatic efforts to secure the release of prisoners and detainees from both sides.<\/p>\n

Concurring was Venezuela\u2019s representative<\/strong>, speaking for the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations<\/strong>, who said that the United States\u2019 draft resolution would have given carte blanche to the occupying Power to continue its military operations in Gaza \u2014 potentially setting a dangerous precedent. \u00a0She added that the international community bears the responsibility to ensure that resolution 2728 (2024) does not remain \u201cwords on paper\u201d.<\/p>\n

In that vein, the representative of the European Union<\/strong>, in its capacity as observer, stressed that Council resolutions are binding and called for their immediate implementation. \u00a0However, Canada\u2019s representative \u2014 <\/strong>also speaking for Australia and New Zealand<\/strong> \u2014 recalled that a much-needed humanitarian ceasefire has not yet taken hold on the ground despite the adoption of resolution 2728 (2024). \u00a0\u201cThe need for lifesaving humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

The Security Council \u201chas finally woken up\u201d, observed Algeria\u2019s representative<\/strong> \u2014 whose delegation also voted against the United States\u2019 draft \u2014 recalling that elected Council members subsequently submitted a draft resolution that genuinely reflected the international community\u2019s demands. \u00a0However, the occupying Power continues its refusal to implement that text \u2014 \u201ca challenge to our ability to guarantee the effectiveness of the world order\u201d. \u00a0Urging the international community to prevent any further deterioration, he stressed:\u00a0\u201cOccupation is the disease in our region, and the Middle East will not taste peace as long as Palestinians are deprived of their legitimate rights.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody can claim ignorance about what is happening in Gaza because, unlike in Rwanda in 1994, these atrocities are being televised, written about, tweeted and live-streamed,\u201d said the representative of South Africa<\/strong>. \u00a0These catastrophic acts prompted South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice to request further measures to protect civilians, she recalled, expressing concern that Israel continues with its plausible genocidal acts in complete disregard of them.<\/p>\n

Each day, the whole world wakes up to \u201ca new barbaric crime perpetrated by the Israeli regime\u201d, said Iran\u2019s representative<\/strong>. \u00a0Genocide in Gaza could not have happened without the United States\u2019 political, financial and military support, he added, noting that the draft proposed by that country was intended to give Israel a green light to mount a military operation in Rafah.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea<\/strong> agreed, stating that responsibility for the Council\u2019s inability to ensure peace and stability in the Gaza Strip over the past six months \u201clies entirely with the United States\u201d.\u00a0 The representative of the Republic of Korea, however, said that the vetoed text\u2019s main objective was to support diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.<\/p>\n

Joining others in spotlighting the recent Israeli attack that led to the deaths of World Central Kitchen<\/strong> staff, Colombia\u2019s representative<\/strong> warned:\u00a0 \u201cGaza has become unliveable.\u201d \u00a0Against that backdrop, she underscored that the veto is an anti-democratic imperial prerogative that limits the Council\u2019s ability to act decisively in the face of \u201cthe barbarity that we\u2019re seeing in Gaza\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mexico\u2019s representative<\/strong> stressed that recourse to the veto represents a diplomatic failure, as it reveals delegations\u2019 inability to persuade others during negotiations. \u00a0Further, its use worsens polarization and undermines the collective capacity to achieve agreement and re-establish peace, he observed, urging States to support the initiative advanced by his country and France to restrict the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities. \u00a0The greater the number of signatories, the clearer the message, he said, adding that, when thousands of lives are at stake, the Council\u2019s paralysis is \u201cunjustifiable\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8 April 2024 SEVENTY-EIGHTH SESSION, 66TH & 67TH MEETINGS (AM & PM) GA\/12591 Speakers Discuss Failure to Speak on Gravely Important Matter, Citing Months of Paralysis as Humanitarian, Political Crisis in Territory Continues The Security Council failed to speak on a matter of grave importance as it remained paralyzed for months as the crisis in […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[660,678,747,759,5442,810,888,897,6575,981,1017,1026,1593,1062,1074,1098,1128,6632,2553,1218],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[4868,2505,1365,1362],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2517,1769,1829,2265,2005,1741],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542],"class_list":["post-295045","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-algeria","country-australia","country-canada","country-china","country-colombia","country-egypt","country-iran-islamic-republic-of","country-israel","country-korea-democratic-peoples-republic-of","country-mexico","country-new-zealand","country-nigeria","country-palestine-state-of","country-qatar","country-russian-federation","country-saudi-arabia","country-south-africa","country-trinidad-and-tobago","country-united-states-of-america","country-venezuela","document-category-press-release","document-source-arab-group-the","document-source-european-union-eu","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-security-council","document-subject-access-and-movement","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/295045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/295045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":295049,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/295045\/revisions\/295049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=295045"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=295045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}