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Middle East conflict

UN General Assembly rejects US-led draft resolution condemning Hamas

A total of 87 countries, including Russia, voted against the document

© Mary Altaffer/AP Photo

UN, December 7. /TASS/. The UN General Assembly on Thursday rejected a US-led draft resolution that condemns the Palestinian movement of Hamas.

The main intrigue was the procedural vote held in the run-up to the main vote, to decide whether the resolution should be passed by two thirds or by a simple majority. US Ambassdor to UN Nikki Haley insisted on the second variant, but the General Assembly members voted against it, narrowing the odds of the resolution to be passed.

A total of 87 countries, including Russia, Arab countries and Southern American nations, voted against the document during the main vote. 57 nations supported it, while 33 abstained.

Among other things, the resolution condemned Hamas for "repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and for inciting violence, thereby putting civilians at risk," and for its use of resources in Gaza to construct military infrastructure "including tunnels to infiltrate Israel and equipment to launch rockets into civilian areas."

It also called upon the sides to end all provocative and violent actions, including those involving airborne incendiary devices.

Instead, the General Assembly adopted by absolute majority a brief document, calling for peace in the Middle East and suggested by Ireland. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon described the document as "anti-Israeli," while Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour thanked the General Assembly for its efforts to "prevent injustice."

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