Russia Condemns US Vetoes Blocking UN Security Council Action on Gaza Crisis

MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry voiced regret on Friday over the United Nations Security Council’s persistent failure to halt violence and alleviate humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip, attributing the deadlock to repeated vetoes by the United States.

In a statement released on its official website, the ministry lamented, "The UN Security Council’s inability to stop the fighting and bloodshed and end the suffering of civilians is therefore deeply regrettable and disappointing."

The frustration followed a recent attempt by non-permanent members of the Security Council to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. While the resolution received unanimous support from all council members, the United States exercised its veto power for the seventh time since the outbreak of hostilities.

Reaffirming Russia’s consistent stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Foreign Ministry condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack but cautioned against using the incident as justification for collective punishment of Palestinian civilians or escalating the conflict across the Middle East.

The ministry emphasized that "genuine peace and security in the region is impossible without a just settlement of the Palestinian issue and the fulfillment of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people."