PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Hamas praised Russia and China on Friday after they vetoed the US-led Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council.
The US tabled a resolution that supported “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” and for the first time condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas.
“We express our appreciation for the position of Russia, China and Algeria who rejected the biased American resolution of aggression against our people,” Hamas said in a statement.
Terming the draft complicit with Israel, the Palestinian fighter group said the draft resolution grants Israel cover and legitimacy to commit a genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
Arab country, Algeria, currently seated on the Security Council, also voted against the draft and co-sponsored a new, tougher draft that is likely to come to a vote today (Saturday) but risks a US veto.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, said China and Russia had “cynically vetoed” the US-backed text.
“On the resolution, which got very strong support, but then was cynically vetoed by Russia and China, I think we were trying to show the international community a sense of urgency about getting a ceasefire,” he told media in Israel.
