Security Council Meets on Situation in Middle East, Including Palestinian Question

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The Council voted on a draft resolution on the situation in the Middle East. The Resolution expressed grave concern at the escalation of violence and the deterioration of the situation, in particular the resulting heavy civilian casualties; and emphasized that the Israeli and Palestinian civilian population must be protected.

The resolution received five votes in favour (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russian Federation, United Arab Emirates), four against (France, Japan, United Kingdom and United States) and six abstentions. It was not adopted having failed to obtain the required number of votes.