Russia has asked the United Nations Security Council to vote on Monday on a draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism, Reuters reported on Saturday night.
Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, said that no changes had been made to the text of the resolution since it was given to the 15-member body on Friday and that he expected the vote to be scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT on Monday.
The one-page draft resolution also calls for the release of hostages, humanitarian aid access and the safe evacuation of civilians in need. While it refers to Israel and the Palestinian Arabs, it does not directly name Hamas.
A UN Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, China or Russia. It is unclear at this time how the United States, who has in the past vetoed anti-Israel Security Council resolutions, will act.
US President Joe Biden has been consistent with his condemnation of the Hamas attack and of his support for Israel.
On Wednesday, Biden spoke to heads of Jewish organizations and said, “My commitment to Israel’s security and the safety of the Jewish people is unshakable. The United States has Israel’s back and I have yours as well, both at home and abroad.”
“The miracle of Israel is Israel itself. The hope it inspires. The light it represents to the world. I was asked in one of my very frank conversations with Bibi and [President] Herzog why do I feel so deeply about this? It’s not about the region. I truly believe that were there no Israel, no Jew in the world will be ultimately safe. It’s the only ultimate guarantee,” he added.
On Friday, the President spoke for over an hour with families of 14 Americans who are missing following Hamas' attack on Israel.
Speaking to reporters following that conversation, Biden blasted Hamas and said the terrorist group is worse than Al-Qaeda.
“The more we learned about the attack, the more horrifying it becomes. More than 1,000 — 1,000 innocent lives lost, including at least 27 Americans. These guys make, they make Al-Qaeda look pure. They’re pure evil,” Biden said.