Russia and China veto US resolution calling for immediate cease-fire in Gaza
Washington PostMar 22
China, Russia Veto Draft UNSC Resolution on Gaza Cease-Fire
The Facts
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has rejected a draft resolution proposed by the US concerning an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza on Friday morning.
While 11 of its members supported the resolution, two permanent Council members — China and Russia — used their veto power against it. Algeria also opposed the draft, and Guyana abstained.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While the US' resolution was unsuccessful, the draft highlighted a key shift in American foreign policy direction. Although the language used within the text was certainly unorthodox, its passing would've irrespectively placed further pressure on Israel. The US has joined the international community in placing pressure on finding the end to the current conflict in Gaza.
Establishment-critical narrative
Half a year on from the Gaza catastrophe encouraged by Washington, the US resolution has been met with international criticism and makes a mockery of the definition of "immediate." It's likely, despite the outward change in rhetoric, that America's resolution was nothing more than a superficial attempt to gain leverage in negotiations aimed at maximizing its hegemony through its proxy state Israel.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Israel will lift the blockade on electricity, food, gasoline, and medicine in Gaza by June 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.