On March 22, the UN Security Council voted on the US draft resolution concerning the situation in Gaza. The text was submitted after the United States alone vetoed the February 20 Algerian draft demanding an immediate ceasefire. The US representatives made assurances that their document would allegedly allow the UN Security Council to make the right decision and claimed, publicly too, that they were in favour of ending the bloodshed in the enclave.

In reality, however, the American draft that was put to a vote after four weeks of drawn-out consultations contained only a general imperative to stop the hostilities on the strict condition that the hostages are released. It included one-sided condemnation of Hamas qualifying it as a terrorist movement, but made no mention of Israel as an occupying power or its multiple violations of humanitarian obligations.

The text was not supported by the majority of UNSC member states and was rejected by the Palestinians and representatives of the Arab group. In the end, the Algerian delegation representing the countries of the region voted against it. Guyana abstained, and Russia and China vetoed it.

In parallel, the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council put together and then put to a vote their alternative draft resolution. On March 25, it was adopted by 14 votes in favour, with the United States abstaining. UNSC Resolution 2728 clearly and unambiguously enshrines the demand for “an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.” It also contains demands to ensure humanitarian access to those in need, the immediate release of hostages, and compliance with the obligations established by international humanitarian law with respect to all detainees.

The Russian side expects that the binding UN Security Council Resolution 2728 will help de-escalate violence in Gaza, and that includes preventing the Israeli operation in Rafah, as well as secure the release of hostages, increase humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza (2 million were forced out of their homes, and half of them are now facing the threat of catastrophic famine) and prevent their forcible deportation. Russia remains convinced that the opportunity to act on the UN Security Council resolution, which the United States has so persistently and hypocritically obstructed, must be taken.