UN Security Council to vote on Gaza ceasefire resolution amid humanitarian crisis

The UN Security Council scheduled a vote Wednesday on a resolution which demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties." UN diplomats said the United States is likely to veto it.

Calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza "catastrophic," the proposed resolution demands "the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale, including by the UN and humanitarian partners."

The resolution, drafted by the council’s 10 elected members who serve two-year terms, also reiterates its demand for the release of all captives held by Hamas and other groups following their 7 October 2023 surprise attack in southern Israel.

The vote, scheduled for late Wednesday afternoon, comes amid near-daily shootings of Palestinian civilians following the establishment by an Israeli and US-backed foundation of aid distribution points inside Israeli military zones.

The UN has rejected the new system, saying it doesn’t address Gaza’s mounting hunger crisis, allows Israel to use aid as a weapon, and facilitates the mass displacement of Palestinians.

The draft resolution demands the restoration of all essential humanitarian services in line with those principles, international humanitarian law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Several UN diplomats from different countries, speaking on condition of anonymity Tuesday because discussions have been private, said they expect the United States to veto the resolution.

The US Mission to the United Nations said it had no comment on the draft resolution at this time. Israel’s UN Mission did not respond to a request for comment on the draft.

Gaza’s roughly 2 million people are almost completely reliant on international aid because Israel’s offensive has destroyed nearly all of Gaza’s food production capabilities. Israel imposed an 11-week blockade on supplies into Gaza on 2 March. It has begun to allow tiny amounts of aid to enter again late last month after pressure from allies.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday that the needs in Gaza are enormous and what’s getting into Gaza from the UN "is still just a trickle." Since the complete blockade was partly lifted, he said, just over 620 truckloads have made it from Israel to the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, and only about 370 truckloads - mainly with flour, food and medical and nutrition items - have gotten closer to people in need, with some looted including by armed gangs.

"The unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance at scale must be restored immediately," Dujarric said. "The UN must be allowed to work in safety and in security under conditions of full respect for humanitarian principles."

Since 7 October 2023, the Security Council has voted on 14 Gaza-related resolutions and approved four.

The last resolution was also proposed by the 10 elected council members and also demanded "an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties." Fourteen of the 15 council members voted in favor on 20 November, but the US vetoed the resolution because it was not linked to the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

(The Associated Press and TNA staff)