UN Security Council backs increased aid to Gaza, but not ceasefire
The resolution passed by the UN Security Council (UNSC) calls for increased aid to the Gaza Strip, yet stops short of demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
After several days of intense negotiations aimed at preventing a veto from the United States, a crucial ally of Israel and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the vote was ultimately held.
According to António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the ongoing offensive by Israel is the main obstacle preventing the delivery of aid, which he considers to be the "real problem.
Continued warfare poses a grave risk of famine in Gaza, as cautioned by the United Nations.
In response to the 7 October attack, Israel has initiated an extensive military operation with the objective of eradicating Hamas, the militant group responsible for the attack. The assault resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, while also leading to the capture of over 240 hostages.
According to the health ministry under the control of Hamas, the Gaza Strip has witnessed the tragic loss of over 20,000 lives.
The United Arab Emirates was responsible for introducing Friday's resolution.
Just moments prior to the vote, an amendment was proposed by Russia, one of the council's five permanent members, to return to a previous version of the draft that demanded an instant ceasefire. The argument put forth was that the current text granted Israel unrestricted mobility to continue its operations in the Gaza Strip.
Following the defeat of the Russian amendment, both Russia and the US chose to abstain, while the remaining 13 council members supported the revised text, which emphasizes the need to establish conditions conducive to a lasting cessation of hostilities.
The objective of the resolution is to implement "extended humanitarian pauses and corridors across the entirety of the Gaza Strip".
The demand was for parties to ensure the immediate, safe, and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, on a large scale and directly.
In order to accelerate and streamline the distribution of aid, a UN mechanism will be established, as outlined in the resolution, which also mandates the appointment of a coordinator to oversee its implementation.
At first, Washington had concerns that the resolution would strip Israel of its authority over the screening process; however, the resolution explicitly stated that it would involve consultation with all relevant parties.
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