Explanation of vote by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after the UNGA vote on a draft resolution “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” (put forward by Jordan)
Mr.President,
Let me start off by congratulating all UN members on the adoption of such an important document which is needed so urgently against the backdrop of continuing escalation. This is not a victory of someone’s national position. It is a victory of common sense, justice and humanity. It is a material embodiment of the great concern for the fate of civilians in Gaza and Israel that unites us all. This resolution is the least we can and must do for them.
Unfortunately, because of the position of the Western delegations, the UN Security Council was not able to take a decision. But in the General Assembly, the voice of the united Arab world and all reasonable members of the international community prevailed. Now both sides must heed it. First and foremost, it is about an immediate ceasefire that should put an end to violence. That is particularly important in the light of the incoming reports about a ground operation in Gaza.
It is upsetting that our Western partners still see only one side of the problem. Moreover, they impose this one-sided approach on all United Nations member states, which we believe does not meet the tasks entrusted to this reputable Organization, namely ensuring peace and security. We have clearly condemned the terrorist attacks and the deaths of Israelis and citizens of other countries in Israel as well as the indiscriminate bombings of Gaza and the deaths of Palestinian civilians.
Draft UNGA resolution put forward by the Jordanian friends was diluted at the last minute by Canada’s proposed amendments. This made the draft clearly biased, painting one side black and the other white.
The results of the voting once again confirm that responsible representatives of the international community realize that against the background of the tragedy taking place in the Middle East, the deaths of civilians, suffering and deprivation, it is not the time for securing opportunistic interests. It is necessary to send a single clear message about the need to stop violence as soon as possible, to return to peace negotiations on a UN-approved platform and within a universally recognized international legal framework. The outcome should be the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state in the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel. That will contribute more than anything to the security of Middle Eastern states including Israel, and to peace in the region.
Today's crisis is a tragic yet clear confirmation of the need to implement decisions that the Security Council and the General Assembly adopted long ago.
Thank you.
