Russia and China have voiced strong criticism of the United Nations Security Council resolution concerning the Gaza Strip, which was adopted earlier this week. The two nations abstained from voting on the resolution, which garnered approval from the remaining thirteen members of the council.
Speaking after the vote, the Russian and Chinese representatives outlined their concerns during a session held in New York City. The Russian delegate stated, “We simply cannot support this resolution.” Moscow had reportedly insisted on a more robust monitoring role for the Security Council regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. The representative argued that the resolution does not align with the two-state solution framework as outlined in the New York Declaration.
Furthermore, the Russian delegate asserted that the resolution lacks clarity regarding timelines for transferring control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. The representative also expressed uncertainty about the future role of the proposed peace council and international stabilization force, fearing the resolution could potentially solidify the separation of the Gaza Strip from the West Bank.
The Chinese delegate echoed similar concerns, stating that the US-drafted resolution on Gaza is “unclear” and a “source of grave concern.” The representative noted that while the resolution addresses governance arrangements in Gaza post-conflict, it seemingly overlooks the Palestinian perspective. “Palestinian sovereignty and ownership are not fully reflected in the resolution,” the delegate asserted.
The Chinese representative further emphasized that the resolution fails to explicitly reaffirm a firm commitment to the two-state solution as an international consensus. Both Russia and China’s abstentions highlight the continued divisions within the Security Council regarding the approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the future of Gaza.
