Russia Criticizes U.S. Veto at UN Security Council Amid Middle East Conflict

Russia has accused the United States of abusing its veto power, rendering the UN Security Council incapable of enforcing peace in the Middle East. The criticism came in a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry following the UN General Assembly's adoption of two resolutions addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The General Assembly passed resolutions calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, as well as the release of all hostages. One of the resolutions mirrors a proposal previously vetoed by the U.S. at the Security Council. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are legally non-binding, limiting their impact on international law.

A second resolution expressed “full support” for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and condemned Israel's legislative measures banning the agency's activities in the West Bank and Gaza.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the ceasefire resolution “largely repeated the content” of the earlier U.S.-vetoed draft and criticized Washington for paralyzing the Security Council, the primary body tasked with maintaining global peace and security. Since the outbreak of the current crisis, the U.S. has exercised its veto six times.

“Once again, it falls to the UN General Assembly to adopt urgently needed resolutions in the face of unprecedented violence and bloodshed,” the ministry asserted. It further emphasized that calls for a truce and access to humanitarian aid are “moral imperatives” under the dire circumstances.

The U.S. and Israel, however, have rejected an immediate cessation of hostilities, arguing that it would benefit Hamas and hinder negotiations. U.S. envoy to the UN, Robert Wood, stated that such a move would “vindicate Hamas’ cynical strategy of stalling and obstruction.” Similarly, Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, reiterated accusations that UNRWA covertly aids Hamas, citing alleged evidence of the group’s infiltration into the agency.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini denounced Israel’s restrictions on the agency’s operations, describing them as part of an “ongoing campaign to discredit and delegitimize” its mission to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict remains catastrophic. According to Palestinian authorities, nearly 45,000 individuals have been killed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied groups launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. Approximately 100 hostages are reportedly still being held in Gaza.