United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza, following several delays over the last week as the United States lobbied to weaken the language regarding calls for a ceasefire.
The resolution, which calls for steps “to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities”, passed yesterday with 13 votes in favour, none against, with the US and Russia abstaining.
The vote comes amid international calls to bring the months-long conflict to an end, as Israeli forces pummel Gaza with one of the most destructive campaigns in modern history and humanitarian conditions in the besieged strip reach critical levels.
But the resolution does not call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – instead calling to “create the conditions” for one
The vote had been in limbo after the US voiced “widespread concerns” with an earlier draft – it abstained in the final vote alongside Russia
Earlier this month, 13 of the council’s 15 members supported a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but the US vetoed it and the UK abstained
Another Israeli hostage has reportedly died while being held in captivity in Gaza
The Hamas-run Gaza government says more than 20,000 people have been killed in the enclave since the war erupted
The resolution stops short of calling for an immediate truce.
Instead, it urges the creation of conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The UAE – which sponsored the resolution – acknowledged it wasn’t perfect but said it was vital to avert famine in Gaza – something aid agencies have warned of.
Reaction has been coming in from all sides involved in the conflict – and the resolution seems to have pleased nobody fully.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador, said the resolution was a step in the right direction but reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Hamas called the resolution an “insufficient step” for meeting the needs of Gaza and said the US had “worked hard to empty this resolution of its essence”.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN criticised the Security Council resolution, saying its focus on aid is “unnecessary and disconnected from reality.
And UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said the way Israel was conducting its military offensive was the main obstacle to aid distribution inside Gaza.
Hostages must be released as per UN resolution, Hagari says.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari has given his reaction to the resolution.
Hagari noted that the resolution includes a demand for the “unconditional immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas and to allow humanitarian access to address their medical needs”.
“We call on the international community and international organisations to enforce this resolution,” Hagari said in a statement.
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