The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution urging urgent measures for the immediate facilitation of “safe, unimpeded, and expanded” humanitarian access to Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli offensive.
Following intense negotiations and suspenseful delays lasting several days, the resolution, presented by the United Arab Emirates, secured a 13-0 vote, with the United States and Russia—both permanent council members—opting to abstain.
The resolution mandates that conflicting parties permit and support the utilisation of all accessible routes across the entire Gaza Strip, including border crossings, ensuring that humanitarian personnel and aid can reach the civilian population in distress.
Additionally, the resolution calls upon UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to designate a “senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator” to expedite the delivery of vital assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.
The significance of this vote is underscored by the fact that, since October 7, numerous Security Council resolutions addressing the conflict faced veto blocks from its permanent members, prompting scrutiny of the council’s efficacy by global leaders and observers.
Since October 7, the Israeli army’s devastating campaign in Gaza has led to 20,057 fatalities and 53,320 injuries, with a majority being children and women. This has resulted in severe damage to infrastructure, causing an unparalleled humanitarian crisis, as reported by Palestinian and international sources.
