The Russian foreign ministry expressed its expectation that the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza would help avert the Israeli operation in Rafah and contribute to reducing violence, according to a statement released.
"The Russian side anticipates that the binding UNSC resolution 2728 will aid in de-escalating the situation in Gaza, including preventing the Israeli operation in Rafah, facilitating the release of hostages, increasing humanitarian aid to civilians (2 million of whom have been displaced, with half facing the threat of severe hunger), and averting forced deportations," stated the ministry.
"Russia is convinced that the opportunity to implement the UNSC decision, which was persistently and hypocritically obstructed by the United States, must be seized," the Russian ministry added.
Highlighting the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2728, the Russian foreign ministry emphasized its requirement for "an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, observed by all parties, leading to a lasting and long-term cessation of hostilities." It also stressed the need to ensure humanitarian access to those in need, urgently release hostages, and comply with obligations established by international humanitarian law regarding all detainees.
Regarding the American draft resolution, the ministry recalled the UN Security Council's vote on March 22 on the situation in the Gaza Strip. "US representatives assured that their document would allegedly allow the UNSC to make the right decision, claimed, including publicly, that they were in favor of ending the bloodshed in the enclave," continued the diplomatic ministry. "However, in reality, the American draft put to a vote after four weeks of artificially prolonged consultations contained only a general imperative to stop hostilities in strict connection with the release of hostages. It spelled out a unilateral condemnation of Hamas, qualifying the movement as terrorist, but made no mention of Israel as the occupying power or its many violations of humanitarian obligations."
"The text was not supported by the majority of the UN Security Council member states and was rejected by the Palestinians and representatives of the Arab group. In the end, the delegation of Algeria, representing the countries of the region, voted against it. Guyana abstained, while Russia and China utilized the right of veto," the ministry pointed out.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS