UNSC adopts resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in Gaza

NEW YORK (UN). Nov 16 (Interfax) - The United Nations Security Council has approved a Malta-drafted resolution that contains a call for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution received 12 votes in favor, and another three countries abstained. The UN Security Council meeting was broadcast live on the UN website.

At the start of the meeting, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya proposed an amendment to the draft containing a call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Five countries backed the Russian proposal, while the United States voted against it, and nine countries abstained. Thus, the amendment was not approved, as it failed to receive the required number of votes.

The UN Security Council earlier held votes on four draft resolutions addressing the situation in the Middle East, including a Brazilian-Russian draft, two Russian drafts and a U.S. draft. None of them was approved.

The Hamas radical group, based in the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel on October 7. Israel responded by launching a military operation against Hamas.