In a pivotal moment marked by intense negotiations and delays, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has finally adopted a watered-down resolution aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip. The resolution, however, falls short of explicitly calling for a ceasefire, a move carefully navigated to avoid a potential veto by the United States.
A total of 13 out of the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution, with both the United States and Russia abstaining from the vote. The resolution underscores the need for urgent measures to facilitate safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access while emphasizing the creation of conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The adoption of this resolution comes in the wake of global outrage over the staggering death toll of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, surpassing 20,000, and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military, while expressing regret for civilian casualties, has attributed the blame to Iran-backed Hamas, accusing them of operating in densely populated areas and using civilians as human shields.
Crucially, the resolution no longer dilutes Israel’s control over all aid deliveries to the 2.3 million people in Gaza. Israel monitors aid shipments through the Rafah crossing from Egypt and the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing.
However, the resolution faced tough negotiations, with Russia, along with Arab and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations expressing frustration over changes in the language related to the cessation of hostilities. Some countries view the altered text as providing approval for Israel to take further action against Hamas.
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, described the resolution as “a glimmer of hope amongst a sea of unimaginable suffering.” She acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis and establish the groundwork for lasting peace.
Thomas-Greenfield, however, expressed disappointment that the resolution does not condemn the deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, thanked the US for its support and criticized the UN for failing to condemn the October 7 attacks.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel’s military campaign causing widespread displacement, affecting nearly 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people. Over half a million people are reportedly facing starvation. Israel, backed by the US, has resisted international pressure to scale back its offensive, asserting that months of fighting lie ahead in southern Gaza.
The recent developments at the UN Security Council follow the General Assembly’s demand for a humanitarian ceasefire earlier this month, a resolution that was vetoed by the United States in the Security Council. The conflict, one of the most devastating in recent history, continues to draw attention and concern from the international community.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only addresses the immediate humanitarian crisis but also paves the way for a sustainable and lasting peace in the region.
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