Russia calls for immediate ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has urged the Security Council to endorse a "humanitarian cease-fire" in the midst of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. 

Russia's call for an immediate ceasefire comes following a week marked by escalating violence and mounting casualties, largely affecting civilians. 

The Russian draft resolution, which was presented to the Security Council and viewed by AFP, demands an "immediate" halt to the hostilities and the safe release of all hostages. It also "strongly condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism."

The recent crisis began when Hamas, a group classified as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States, launched a devastating attack on Israel, resulting in the tragic deaths of approximately 1,300 people, primarily civilians. This assault included the taking of around 150 hostages, comprising Israelis, foreigners, and individuals with dual-nationalities, who were taken back to Gaza.

In response to the incursion, Israel initiated a series of missile strikes on Gaza, a densely populated region, leading to the loss of over 1,900 lives, predominantly innocent civilians, with more than 600 of them being children.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia emphasised the need for the Security Council to act promptly to end the ongoing bloodshed and restart peace negotiations to establish a Palestinian state, as had been envisioned for a considerable time.

Nebenzia also criticised the United States for what he called their "responsibility for the looming war in the Middle East" and voiced concerns about the Israeli air force's attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, while calling out European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen for not addressing these issues.

The Security Council, which often faces division on Israeli-Palestinian matters, received mixed reactions to the draft resolution. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward emphasised the importance of careful consideration, given the significant loss of human life that has occurred, and the draft's hasty arrival on the scene.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun, however, noted an "emerging consensus on humanitarian concerns" and expressed openness to efforts that could help establish a cease-fire and reduce tensions. 

Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira, holding the rotating presidency of the Security Council, affirmed Brazil's commitment to working towards a unified position in addressing the situation.