UNGA president acknowledges slow response to meet Gaza needs

According to IRNA's correspondent at the UN headquarters, Francis also lamented that while discord reigns in the Security Council, the devastating conflict in Gaza continues, resulting in many deaths, acute food insecurity, and widespread displacement.

The General Assembly discussed the resolution proposed by the United States on Gaza last month which received 11 of the 15 votes in favor but Russia, China and Algeria voted against it and Guyana abstained.

Meanwhile, Francis also criticized Israel’s decision against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). He reminded that the only consequence of this decision is "the death of more people."

He once again emphasized the need for an unconditional ceasefire, the release of hostages and full humanitarian access, saying the recent Security Council resolution in this regard was too late.

Russia, China defend vetoing US draft resolution

The deputy representative of Russia in the United Nations told the General Assembly that the veto of the American resolution by Russia and China prevented the killing of more Palestinians.

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out the "animal farm" nature of the numerous US objections to the adoption of a strong ceasefire resolution by the Security Council, saying the General Assembly should rather discuss about Palestine's membership in the United Nations.

China’s representative also took a jab at the US approach to the Israeli war on Gaza.

After vetoing several draft resolutions in the Security Council, the United States came up with its own resolution, which was just "playing with words" regarding the ceasefire, the Chinese envoy underlined.

China went on to say that the US veto of previous drafts paved the way for a stronger resolution supported by all members, saying it should be fully implemented.

On March 25, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan.

Fourteen members of the 15-member UN Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution and the US which had vetoed three earlier resolutions was the only member state to abstain this time.

While Palestinian resistance groups and the international community welcomed the move, Israel rejected the ceasefire and continued its deadly offensive in the besieged territory.

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