Gaza Conflict: UN to Vote on Ceasefire Resolution Amidst Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote today on a resolution calling for an immediate suspension of the ongoing fighting in Gaza, as well as an increase in humanitarian aid to address the growing crisis in the region. The resolution, which has been developed through extensive diplomatic efforts, aims to bring much-needed assistance to the people affected by the conflict.
The resolution comes at a critical time, as the death toll in Gaza has already exceeded 20,000 since the start of the conflict on October 7. Reports from the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza and the health authority in Ramallah highlight the dire situation. Israel maintains that it has neutralized over 2,000 Hamas militants and destroyed a strategic network of tunnels under Gaza City since the previous ceasefire ended on December 1.
The World Food Programme and other UN agencies have also released a report indicating that more than a quarter of households in Gaza face extreme hunger. The situation has now reached a tipping point, with fears of an impending famine if the conflict continues unabated.
The role of the United States in this resolution is paramount. After repeated delays and vetoes, the US ambassador to the UN has announced that the US is now ready to support the resolution. Initially, concerns were raised about potential delays in aid delivery due to the procedures outlined in the resolution. However, efforts were made to accommodate these concerns, and the resolution now seems to have the necessary support from the US.
Israel and the US have sought to include language in the resolution that condemns Hamas for their role in instigating the conflict with terror attacks on October 7. Israel feels strongly that this aspect has been overlooked amidst the relentless fighting and rising death toll. However, Hamas has rejected any attempts at negotiation until a full ceasefire is established, which Israel deems unlikely while Hamas continues their military activity.
The situation on the ground remains grim. Israel has intensified its street fighting, demolishing an extensive underground tunnel complex that housed Hamas leaders' offices, apartments, and command bunkers. This ongoing military operation has left more than 80% of Gaza levelled, including the majority of hospitals. The remaining medical facilities are largely concentrated in the south, with minimal resources to cater to the overwhelming needs of the population.
The conflict has also bolstered Hamas's standing among extremist groups internationally, drawing more resources, financing, and training. Experts believe that Hamas will not disappear anytime soon, with numerous leadership pockets dispersed not only in Gaza but also in other Palestinian areas.
Recognizing the ineffective nature of the current strategy, Israel has acknowledged the necessity of transitioning to lower-intensity campaigns. While aiming to target Hamas leadership, Israel is keen to spare civilian lives. The dire conditions in Gaza, with rampant displacement, lack of clean water, food scarcity, and widespread starvation, cannot be sustained. The need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and rebuild shattered lives is dire.
As the United Nations prepares to vote on the resolution, one cannot help but contemplate how both sides arrived at this point and, more importantly, how they will find a way out of this devastating crisis. The hatred and mistrust between Israel and Hamas run deep, exacerbating the complexity of finding a sustainable solution. However, the international community, through this resolution, demonstrates its commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs and putting an end to the violence that continues to ravage Gaza. Only time will tell if this united effort will be enough to bring about a lasting peace.
