In its fifth attempt to agree on a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations Security Council finally adopted a resolution calling for "extended humanitarian pauses" to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza.
The resolution, adopted Wednesday, "calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days" to allow in aid, without clarifying how many days would be considered enough.
"It needs to be long enough for us to be able to mobilise the resources, once we have enough fuel, for people to get what they need," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General.
The 15-member council overcame an impasse, after four unsuccessful attempts last month to pass a resolution in response to Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on 7 October, and the start of Israel’s retaliatory bombing campaign on the Gaza strip.
The resolution, prepared by Malta, was adopted with 12 votes. Three countries abstained: the United States, UK and Russia.
The stalemate has largely been focused on whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire, with the US backing pauses – considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire – and Russia pushing for a ceasefire.
The US also abstained because the resolution did not condemn the 7 October attack by Hamas, which was the reason given by the UK to abstain as well.
The resolution calls for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children”.
It also demands all parties to comply with international law, specifically the protection of civilians, "notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children."
(with newswires)
