Ghana abstains from vote as UN Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Gaza war

On Monday night, Ghana refrained from voting on a resolution sponsored by Russia about the Gaza crisis at the United Nations Security Council.

Russia proposed a humanitarian truce, the release of captives, assistance access, and the safe evacuation of civilians in the war-torn region.

The Russian-led draft garnered five votes in favor (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and four votes against (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States) from the Council’s 15 members. Notably, Ghana was the only African country to vote against, while Gabon and Mozambique supported it. Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Malta, and Switzerland also abstained.

A resolution must have at least nine positive votes to be accepted, with no vetoes from the five permanent members.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed disappointment at the rejection of the resolution, attributing it to the “selfish intention of the Western bloc.”

He stressed the need of resolving the humanitarian issue in Gaza and called for coordinated action.

However, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned the resolution for failing to confront Hamas’ conduct and for failing to denounce the group’s terrorist operations.

She emphasized the importance of holding Hamas accountable for civilian deaths and the dreadful situation in Gaza.

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine to the United Nations, urged the Security Council to follow international law scrupulously and stressed the seriousness of the situation for Palestinians.

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan described the situation as critical for the Security Council, claiming that Hamas shares Nazi philosophy. He urged the Security Council to label Hamas a terrorist organization and make it accountable for the situation in Gaza.

He also argued for unconditional support for Israel’s right to self-defense and the quick release of all captives.