Human Lives Human Rights: The adoption of a UN resolution aimed at expediting humanitarian aid to Gaza by the United Nations Security Council is seen as a significant but ultimately insufficient measure. While efforts to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza are appreciated, they fall short in the face of the continued devastation caused by Israel’s attacks in the occupied Gaza Strip. What is urgently needed is an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the widespread civilian suffering witnessed in the region.
The resolution, which underwent significant watering down to avoid a potential US veto, lacks a clear call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, it emphasizes the need to “create conditions” for such a cessation. Given the alarming death toll and the extensive destruction in Gaza over the past two months, this compromise is deemed unacceptable.
The ability of the US to influence and weaken the resolution through the threat of veto is viewed as disgraceful, particularly considering the urgency of the situation and the immense human suffering involved.
Background:
The adopted resolution aims to establish a mechanism to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Previous drafts had called for an urgent cessation of hostilities, but this was removed due to objections from the US. The US had previously vetoed two draft resolutions calling for a halt in the fighting since October 7, 2023, and also blocked a humanitarian ceasefire resolution on December 8.
On December 12, the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with overwhelming support from member states. Human rights organizations have been advocating for an immediate ceasefire by all parties since October 26, to halt unlawful attacks and protect civilians in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Such a ceasefire is deemed essential to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the profound suffering caused by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
