UN Security Council Passes Resolution on Increased Aid Delivery But Fails to Call For a Ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza but has been unable to call for a ceasefire in the war torn enclave. This announcement came on Friday, following several delays over the last week as the United States lobbied to weaken the language regarding calls for a ceasefire.

The new resolution called for steps “to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities”. Out of the 15 member countries, 13 voted in favour of the resolution and 2 countries (US and Russia) abstained from voting.

The original draft called for “an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” and would have given the UN increased control over aid deliveries into Gaza. Additionally, it called for an “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.

However, due to US lobbying, the amended draft had removed all references to a ceasefire and instead called for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities”.

“The real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza. An effective aid operation in Gaza requires security, staff who can work in safety, logistical capacity, and the resumption of commercial activity. These four elements do not exist,” UN chief Antonio Guterres told reporters following the vote. Multiple aid groups have also sounded their concerns, stating that without a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be addressed.

Tags: Israel Palestine UNSC