Comment by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN on Russia’s Draft UNSC Resolution on Gaza
Moscow appreciates the efforts by the US and mediators, owing to which it became possible to end the bloodshed and mass starvation in the Gaza Strip, free Israeli hostages and detained Palestinians, and arrange for the exchange of bodies of those killed. It is also important that these efforts are welcomed by the countries of the region.
At the same time, it is a UNSC decision that is at the core of our current discussion. Since the UNSC is the main body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, it should be given a rightful role and the necessary tools to ensure accountability and control. In addition, UNSC resolutions are supposed to reflect the universally recognized international legal framework and reaffirm fundamental decisions and principles, first and foremost the two-State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Unfortunately, these provisions were not given due regard in the US draft.
In this context, the Russian Federation felt obliged to propose an alternative draft UNSC resolution on achieving sustainable peace in the Gaza Strip.
The objective of our draft is to amend the US concept so as to bring it into full conformity with long-standing and previously agreed decisions of the UNSC. We would like to stress that our document does not contradict the American initiative. On the contrary, it notes the tireless efforts by the mediators – the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey – without which the long-awaited ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees would have been impossible. We also welcome the relevant provisions of President Trump's Comprehensive Plan that brought about the ceasefire, release of hostages and detainees, exchange of bodies of those killed, and resumption of humanitarian access and aid flow.
The rationale behind Russia's draft resolution on Gaza is to enable the Security Council to define clear modalities for deploying a peacekeeping contingent and establishing administration in Gaza, while ensuring that these modalities are fully in line with universally recognized international legal standards and genuinely facilitate cessation of violence and durable stabilization. That is why the document calls on the Secretary-General to prepare a report for the Security Council setting out options for implementing the relevant provisions of President Trump's Plan. It is also crucial to preserve the international legal framework for the Middle East peace process, which has been developed over many decades on the basis of the two-State solution.
We stand convinced that only a truly equitable and inclusive approach to resolving the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory can ensure a durable cessation of hostilities and lay the groundwork for durable stability in the region. We hope that the Security Council will be able to reach agreement on this matter.
