The U.N. Security Council has scheduled a vote for Wednesday regarding a resolution that calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which is expected to be vetoed by the United States. U.N. diplomats have indicated that the U.S. stands ready to block the resolution, which has been drafted by the council's ten elected members who serve two-year terms.
This proposed resolution emphasizes the urgent need for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and other militant groups following their surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. The draft describes the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and also demands the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, advocating for its safe and unhindered distribution by the U.N. and humanitarian partners.
The vote, projected for late Wednesday afternoon, comes amid ongoing violence, with continuous shootings reported. This follows the establishment of aid distribution points within Israeli military zones, a system supported by an Israeli and U.S.-backed foundation aimed at bypassing Hamas. The United Nations, however, has rejected this new aid system, arguing that it fails to address Gaza's worsening hunger crisis, permits Israel to use humanitarian aid as a weapon, and does not adhere to the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
The draft resolution also stresses the restoration of essential humanitarian services while adhering to international humanitarian law and existing U.N. Security Council resolutions. Despite this urgent humanitarian plea, multiple U.N. diplomats believe that the U.S. will veto the resolution, a sentiment shared privately as discussions regarding the draft have remained confidential. The U.S. Mission to the United Nations has refrained from commenting on the draft at this time, while Israel's U.N. Mission has not responded to inquiries regarding the draft resolution.
Approximately 2 million residents of Gaza are heavily dependent on international aid, as the ongoing Israeli offensive has obliterated nearly all of Gaza's food production capabilities. Following Israel's blockade of supplies into Gaza on March 2, limited aid began to flow back into the region late last month under international pressure, following warnings of impending famine.
Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesman, noted on Tuesday that the humanitarian needs in Gaza are vast and that the aid currently reaching the area from the U.N. is minimal. Since the partial lifting of the blockade, just over 620 truckloads of aid have arrived at the Kerem Shalom crossing, with only about 370 truckloads, primarily containing flour, food, and medical items, managed to reach those in dire need, which has included looting incidents by armed groups.
Dujarric has reiterated the necessity for the unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance on a large scale, stating that it must be restored immediately. He stressed the importance of safety and security for U.N. operations and called for full respect for humanitarian principles as a prerequisite for effective aid delivery.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the U.N. Security Council has addressed the situation in Gaza with 14 resolutions, four of which have been approved. The last resolution, also initiated by the ten elected council members, had called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire to be respected by all parties. However, the U.S. vetoed this resolution on November 20, asserting that it should be contingent upon the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel, resulting in the death of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 individuals hostage. Currently, it is believed that around 58 hostages are still being held, with about a third of them thought to be alive after the release of many others through ceasefire agreements or negotiations.
Israel's military response has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. While the ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, does not specify the breakdown of civilian versus combatant casualties, its reports are generally considered reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, despite challenges from Israel regarding the casualty numbers.
