Explanation of vote by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after UNSC vote on a draft resolution on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
Mr.President,
Colleagues,
We regret that the Security Council once again was taken hostage by the egoistic ambitions of the Western bloc. This is the only reason why the Council was not able to send a clear, strong collective signal aimed at a de-escalation. Even though what we are talking about is the largest outbreak of violence in the Middle East over a few decades.
The world froze in anticipation, waiting for this Council to take resolute steps to put an end to the bloodshed. But instead, Western delegations buried those expectations.
This vote of Security Council members is very telling. It clearly showed who really stands for an immediate ceasefire, putting an end to indiscriminate bombings of Gaza, and ensuring unconditional humanitarian assistance for the residents of this enclave, and who persists in preventing this Council from sending a strong message for egoistic political purposes. This vote and related explanations must lift whatever illusions.
Regardless of the results of the vote on our draft, it has achieved its goal anyway, for it has given an impetus to a targeted discussion as to how the Security Council should react. Without this kick-start, this body most likely would have limited itself to just talking.
We are extremely concerned over the humanitarian disaster of an unprecedented scale in Gaza and high risks of “spillover” of this conflict.
Thank you.
