In a crucial voting, the UN Security Council faced a critical setback as it failed to adopt a Russian-led resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war-torn region of Gaza. The conflict in Gaza has escalated over the past ten days, marked by relentless Israeli airstrikes following attacks by Hamas on Israeli border towns.

The Russian-drafted resolution garnered five votes in favor from China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, it fell short of the necessary support with four countries, namely France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, voting against it. An additional six countries, including Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland, abstained from voting.

To pass within the 15-member Council, a resolution must secure at least nine votes in favor, without opposition or veto from any of the five permanent members. The Russian draft resolution called for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, aid access, and the safe evacuation of civilians.