The Palestinian political figure Ismail Haniyeh, who leads Hamas’ political bureau, publicly praised the stance taken by the Russian Federation and China at the United Nations Security Council. He highlighted their veto of a resolution that had been put forward by the United States, noting the move in statements cited by RIA News.
Haniyeh, speaking through Hamas, stressed that Moscow and Beijing deserved appreciation for their positions at the Security Council and for overturning what he described as an American decision supporting occupation forces. The Hamas statement framed the veto as a counter to unilateral actions and underscored the belief that major powers should influence outcomes in a way that considers Palestinian concerns.
On October 25, voting details showed that the United States had proposed a draft resolution to address Middle East tensions within the Security Council. While a majority of the council voted in favor, Russia, along with China and the United Arab Emirates, opposed the measure. Two other members chose not to vote or abstained from the decision, reflecting a divided council atmosphere at that moment.
The resolution in question condemned an attack on Israel attributed to Hamas, the same movement that governs Gaza. Notably, the document did not demand a ceasefire, but it acknowledged certain rights related to self-defense as defined by international norms. This nuance sparked debate about how to balance security concerns with the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Following the veto, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield voiced strong disappointment over Russia’s decision to block Washington’s draft resolution. The ambassador’s remarks signaled continued frustration in Washington regarding perceived obstacles to a unified international response in the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, the entertainment industry drew attention to the situation as well, with Hollywood figures sending a letter to President Biden urging an end to the fighting in Israel and Gaza. The message reflected a broader global concern about civilian harm and calls for a path toward de-escalation amid the ongoing tensions.