Russia’s UN Ambassador Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Hamas Conflict

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations has called for a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip and Israel, while blaming the United States for the continuing conflict.

The Russian draft resolution, presented to the UN Security Council on Friday, calls for an “immediate” ceasefire and the secure release of all hostages, and “strongly condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism”.

The draft resolution also calls for humanitarian aid access and the safe evacuation of civilians in need.

The draft was given to the 15-member council during a closed-door meeting on the conflict, according to unnamed diplomats.

“We’re convinced that the Security Council must act to put an end to the bloodshed and restart peace negotiations with a view to establishing a Palestinian state as it was supposed to do so long ago,” Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after the closed-door meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

Nebenzia said there were positive responses to the draft resolution among some member states.

He also blamed the United States for bearing “responsibility for the looming war in the Middle East,” and criticised European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen for “turning a blind eye to the Israeli air force attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip”.

Israel began pounding the enclave of Gaza shortly after Hamas, the Palestinian political and armed group, launched its deadliest-ever surprise assault on Israel last week that killed at least 1,300 people.

Israel’s response has proven even deadlier, with at least 1,900 Palestinians having been killed and the death toll mounting.

JAZEERA