The Security Council has passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, and for urgent and extended humanitarian corridors throughout the enclave to save and protect civilian lives.
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The UN Security Council succeeds in finding unity, adopting a resolution on the Israel-Palestine crisis that began on 7 October, with 12 voting in favour, none against and three abstentions (Russia, United Kingdom, United States), calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors” in Gaza for “a sufficient number of days” to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered access for UN agencies and partners
The Council “calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access”, by the terms of the resolution
The Council, by additional provisions in the text, calls on all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in Gaza of basic services and aid indispensable to their survival, consistent with international humanitarian law
The Council rejected an amendment proposed by Russia, with five votes in favour, one against and nine abstentions
“Our vote today translates into real human lives,” said the Ambassador of Malta, the resolution’s penholder
Ambassadors from the UK and US separately regretted to note that the draft failed to condemn the Hamas’ attacks on 7 October and voiced support for civilian protection and rapid aid delivery measures
Russia’s Ambassador said a real ceasefire is needed and “the Council will need to make a decision on further steps”, including what observers to send to the conflict area and which UN contingent will be involved
“This madness must be brought to an end,” said Palestine’s Permanent Observer to the UN, adding that: “It is time for peace”
Israel’s Ambassador said the crisis could be brought to an immediate end if all Israeli hostages are returned unscathed
For summaries of this and other UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in English and French
Good news, although a permanent ceasefire followed by peace building measures under protection of a UN peacekeeping mission would be the best option. However, unhindered access for humanitarian aid is urgently required and we would wish to see it happening sooner rather than later. To that extent it is a good resolution. UK and US abstaining does not surprise.
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