Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has launched a scathing critique of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the United States’ role in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Speaking at a UN press conference, Lavrov stated that the UNSC’s decisions regarding Gaza have remained ‘ink on paper,’ highlighting the council’s failure to effectively address the situation. He accused the US of being a ‘direct participant’ in the conflict by providing diplomatic cover and weapons to Israel, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine.Lavrov’s comments come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The US has ended its humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, which faced numerous challenges since its inception. A US-built jetty for aid delivery, costing $230 million, is set to be dismantled after operating for less than 25 days due to meteorological and security issues. This development has raised concerns about the ability to prevent an imminent famine in the region.Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a truce between Israel and Hamas face significant obstacles. An Israeli delegation has arrived in Cairo for cease-fire talks, following a proposal to halt fighting and free 120 hostages held by Hamas. However, four key sticking points are hindering progress, including the release of hostages, control of border corridors, and the duration of the cease-fire.UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel’s policy in the occupied West Bank, describing it as a ‘thorn in the side’ of a two-state solution. Guterres called the humanitarian situation in Gaza ‘a moral stain on us all’ and warned of a potential collapse of public order.The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians. According to recent figures, over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with the majority being women and children. The situation remains dire, with ongoing airstrikes and military operations causing further casualties and destruction.
Key points
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticizes UN Security Council’s ineffectiveness in addressing the Gaza conflict.
- US ends its humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, including dismantling a $230 million jetty project.
- Israel-Hamas truce talks continue in Cairo, facing four key sticking points.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemns Israel’s policy in the West Bank and calls for immediate ceasefire.
Contradictions👾There are differing reports on the number of Palestinian casualties, with figures ranging from over 38,000 to over 40,000.
