25 October 2023

The United States drafted a resolution at the United Nations Security Council condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel's right to self-defense. However, the resolution was vetoed by Russia and China, along with the United Arab Emirates. The resolution also called for the immediate release of all hostages.

Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, argued that Russia and China might have responded differently if they had experienced a similar massacre. Erdan stated that Israel is fighting for its survival and that other nations would act with greater force in a similar situation.

Russia and China's veto comes as a deadlock deepens within the Security Council over a unified response to the crisis in Gaza and Israel. A second resolution, led by Russia, also failed to secure enough votes in favor.

The US-backed resolution received support from ten Council members, while three voted against it and two abstained. The key differences between the US-backed and Russian-led resolutions included a specific mention of the right to self-defense in the US resolution and a call for the cancellation of the evacuation order for civilians in the Russian resolution.

It remains to be seen how this veto will impact efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Israel.