Today the United Nations Security Council will vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid distribution to all areas in need. Drafted by Algeria in coordination with elected non-permanent members of the Council, this measure also demands release of hostages held by Hamas or other groups – according to Yahoo News +5 Reuter’s +5 Arabnews +5. +5 This vote comes amid an escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with over 54,000 Palestinians having been killed since Israel began its military campaign to respond to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack which killed more than 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages captive. According to Gaza Health Ministry figures, most victims killed are women and children; although Israel disputes these figures. AAPnews.com + Reuters +1 The draft resolution stresses the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions to humanitarian aid entry, to allow safe distribution through United Nations agencies and partners as soon as possible. Furthermore, it calls for restoration of essential humanitarian services in line with international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions (reuters.com +5; apnews). While the resolution has widespread international support, its chances of passage in the Security Council could be severely undermined by its permanent member – the United States. U.S. diplomats have previously opposed similar resolutions due to concerns regarding linking a ceasefire agreement to hostage release and dismantlement of Hamas military capabilities; as of yet there have been no comments by U.S. Mission to UN on its current draft (USUN.USmission.gov, AAPnews.com or Reuter’s). +2 The vote coincides with a suspension of aid distribution by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), following an incident where at least 27 Palestinians were killed while seeking food. GHF has demanded Israel increase civilian safety around distribution zones and provide more detailed guidance to civilians seeking aid distribution zones (reuters.com/+1@theguardian). The United Nations has harshly criticized the current aid distribution model, claiming it does not adequately address Gaza’s food insecurity and violates humanitarian principles. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stressed the urgent need for wide-scale humanitarian access as only small amounts have reached those most in need – as per APNews and Reuters reports. As the UN Security Council convenes its vote, international observers closely scrutinize what could be a major influence on both conflict and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. For the resolution to pass, at least nine affirmative votes from permanent members such as United States, Russia, China, Britain or France need to vote yes without any vetoes by one or more permanent member (reuters.com, arabnews.com etc). The vote is scheduled for later Wednesday afternoon, according to reports on both AP News and TimesofIsrael.com. 1.20 to 1.18 for conversion from inches.
