UNSC rejects Russian-drafted resolution on Israel-Hamas war
United Nations (PTI): The UN Security Council has rejected a draft resolution proposed by Russia that called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza but made no mention of Hamas' attack on Israel, while a vote on a rival Brazilian text will be held on Tuesday.
The 15-nation Council met on Monday evening to vote on the Russian-led draft resolution, the first such text that was considered by the powerful UN body, amid an escalating war between Israel and Hamas.
The one-page draft resolution failed to garner enough votes and was not adopted by the Council, which is expected to meet again on Tuesday to vote on a rival draft resolution circulated by Brazil, the Council President for the month of October.
The draft text that called for an "immediate, durable and fully respected humanitarian ceasefire", the release of all hostages, aid access and safe evacuation of civilians received five votes in favour from China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the UAE.
France, Japan, the UK, and the US voted against it, while Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland abstained from voting.
For a resolution to be adopted in the Council, it must receive at least 9 votes in favour, with none of its five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in her explanation of the vote, said that Russia's resolution was put forward without any consultations and makes no mention of Hamas.
"None", she said, adding that "by failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalises innocent civilians. It is outrageous, it is hypocritical, and it is indefensible."
Thomas-Greenfield described Hamas' audacious attack on Israel as the "worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust."
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said before the vote that the draft resolution was a "purely humanitarian text".
"We shall not have any understanding if someone decides to not support it for political or egoistic geopolitical reasons," Nebenzia said.
Following the draft's failure to get adopted, the Russian envoy said it was regrettable that the Council was once again "taken hostage by the egoistic ambitions of the Western bloc."
"Today, the entire world waited with bated breath for the Security Council to take steps in order to put an end to the bloodletting, but the delegations of the Western countries have basically stomped on those expectations," he said.
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Explosions rock Central Dubai, no injuries reported say authorities
Dubai: Buildings in central Dubai shook after loud explosions were heard and a thick cloud of smoke was seen rising over the city’s financial district on Friday. Authorities confirmed that that no injuries were reported.
An AFP correspondent reported hearing a loud double blast that rattled nearby structures and left a large plume of black smoke hanging over a central area. Sirens were later heard from the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road which is one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
In a statement posted on X, the Dubai Media Office said debris from a “successful interception” caused a minor incident on the facade of a building in central Dubai. “No injuries have been reported,” it said.
According to reports the incident occurred in the Dubai International Financial Centre and the building sustained damage. Police have cordoned off the area following the blasts.
A day earlier, authorities had reported a “minor drone incident” in the Al Bada’a area after explosions were heard in downtown Dubai. Officials had then stated that there were no injuries.
