With the failure of two resolutions calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza, the Security Council is expected to take up two new proposals, led by Russia and United States, aimed at bringing relief to civilians in the besieged enclave.
Last Monday, a previous Russian-led draft resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” was voted down at the Council, and the following Wednesday, the United States vetoed a Brazilian-led text that urged “humanitarian pauses” to deliver aid to millions in the Gaza Strip.
The new proposals, currently under negotiation, reportedly address the shortages of essential supplies in the enclave but may include different procedures for ensuring safe delivery, according to sources outside the UN.
The draft resolutions do not represent the official position of the 15-member Security Council until adopted.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council held an open debate on the crisis on Tuesday, where ministers from several Member States underscored the need to urgently address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an end to the intense Israeli bombardment that are exacting a heavy toll on Palestinian civilians.
Hamas militants are also continuing to direct rocket fire into Israel from the enclave.
Eli Cohen, Foreign Minister of Israel, defended his country’s actions in Gaza at the Council debate, stressing that Israel had “not chosen this war”, and that its proportional response to the 7 October massacre is the total destruction of Hamas.
More to come on this developing story…
