UN Security Council Adopts Resolution for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

UN Security Council Adopts Resolution for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

VoM News Desk | November 16, 2023 | 10:46 AM IST | Security | Follow on Google News

UN Security Council Adopts Resolution for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

UN Security Council Adopts Resolution for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

The UN Security Council, for the first time since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, adopted a resolution calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in Gaza. This move aims to mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian civilians amidst Israel’s aerial and ground attacks. However, Israel immediately dismissed the resolution, undermining its potential impact.

Diverse Stances of Major Powers

In a significant vote, the resolution was approved 12-0, with abstentions from key players including the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia. The US and UK abstained due to the resolution’s lack of condemnation towards Hamas’ unexpected cross-border assaults on Israel. Conversely, Russia abstained because the resolution did not press for a humanitarian ceasefire, a stance opposed by both Israel and the US.

Resolution’s Content and Reception

The resolution, initially proposing stronger demands, was eventually softened to mere “calls” for humanitarian pauses and the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Despite its diluted language, the resolution, sponsored by Malta, was seen as a crucial breakthrough after the council’s failure to adopt four previous resolutions on the matter. Malta’s UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier lauded it as a significant first step, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to protect civilians, particularly children in armed conflict.

Global Reaction and Outlook

The resolution’s adoption has evoked mixed reactions. While it signifies a united front of the council on this pressing issue, its efficacy remains doubtful. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the council’s inability to leverage its powerful tools, calling the resolution a weak response. The US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged it as a step forward, despite its limitations. The UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh highlighted the resolution’s significance, marking the first council action on the Palestinian territories since 2016.

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