The move follows calls from various countries for Israel not to proceed with a ground operation in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Russia distributed to the other member states of the Security Council yesterday Friday a draft resolution of the top UN body on the Israel-Hamas conflict which calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism.
The text, obtained by Reuters news agency, also calls for the release of all hostages, unhindered access to humanitarian aid and the safe and speedy removal of civilians in need from the Palestinian enclave.
The draft resolution was circulated to the remaining 14 member states during an emergency meeting of the Security Council on the conflict, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip, which was held behind closed doors yesterday, diplomatic sources explained.
The move follows calls from various countries for Israel not to launch a ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip, where most of the population defied an Israeli army order to flee south before launching an offensive against Hamas, following its attack Palestinian Islamist movement in Israel with over 1,300 dead since last Saturday.
The one-page Russian text refers to Israel and the Palestinians, without including an explicit reference to Hamas.
“They didn’t consult everybody and it doesn’t even include a reference to Hamas, so they’re obviously not serious or in line with the views of most other member states” of the Security Council, a diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity, referring to the drafters.
In order for any decision to be approved by the Security Council, at least nine votes in favor are needed and no veto is exercised by any of its five permanent member states (USA, Britain, France, China, Russia).
The US has traditionally been Israel’s protectorate in the SA, exercising its right of veto on texts it deems directed against it.
It is not yet clear if or when Russia plans to put the draft decision to a vote.
After Hamas’s surprise and unprecedented attack on Israel, the Israeli military declared war on it, and the Gaza pounding since last Saturday has killed at least 1,900 people in retaliation. The head of the Israeli government explained yesterday that the operations so far were “only the beginning”.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
