UN Postpones Vote on Gaza Humanitarian Aid Once Again
UN Security Council delays vote on Gaza aid, prolonging suffering in the besieged Strip Humanitarian assistance remains uncertain as fighting continues
The United Nations Security Council postponed the vote on a resolution to halt fighting and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza for the third time this week. The delay reflects the United States' reluctance to endorse a resolution that may be seen as a criticism of Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza. Originally planned for earlier in the week, the vote has been rescheduled for Thursday.
After days of intense negotiations, the United States finally agreed to a resolution calling for a "cessation of hostilities" in Gaza. However, key issues with the draft that remain in negotiation include the language surrounding the "cessation of hostilities" and the call for the UN to establish a monitoring mechanism in the Gaza Strip under the authority of the United Nations Secretary-General.
CNN's proposed resolution urges a cessation of hostilities to enable unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all captives. It also emphasizes the urgency of addressing the medical requirements of those being held.
The resolution also advocates for a future two-state solution in which Gaza and the West Bank are joined under the Palestinian Authority and expresses profound concern for the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its significant toll on civilians.
The report highlights the insufficient access to essential resources such as food, water, sanitation, electricity, and medical services for civilians in Gaza. Additionally, it urges Israel to quickly and completely follow through on its commitment to open the Kerem Shalom Border crossing for the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Diplomats were optimistic that making adjustments to the language could secure support from the United States, or at least result in an abstention from voting, allowing the resolution to be approved. As one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, a US veto would prevent the resolution from being passed.
"We are still in the process of discussing the details of the resolution," stated US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby during a Tuesday briefing at the White House. "It is crucial for us that the international community comprehends the significance of the situation and understands what Hamas did on October 7th, as well as recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against these threats."
The US, Israel's closest ally, has condemned the Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people on October 7. However, the increasing number of civilian casualties in Gaza from Israel's retaliation has led top US officials, including President Joe Biden, to call on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take stronger measures to safeguard innocent lives during the conflict with Hamas.
According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.
In a recent Security Council meeting, UN Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood emphasized the need to protect civilians and journalists, as well as ensure vital humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Additionally, he expressed concerns about Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, but did not disclose the United States' stance on the resolution.
The US has blocked previous attempts to pass measures for a ceasefire at the UN Security Council and voted against a call for a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly.
Recently, the broader United Nations General Assembly voted to urge an immediate ceasefire in conflict-ridden Gaza, in a direct response to the United States, which has consistently opposed ceasefire resolutions in the Security Council.
While the General Assembly vote is politically significant and seen as wielding moral weight, it is nonbinding, unlike a Security Council resolution.
