Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution on Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

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 put forth by the United Arab Emirates. The resolution took note of and acted upon the letter dated 6 December 2023 of the Secretary-General, under Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. The resolution expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population; and emphasized that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. The resolution demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The resolution received 13 votes in favour, one against (United States) and one abstention (United Kingdom). The resolution was not adopted due to the veto by one of the Permanent Members of the Security Council (United States).