Following four days of intense diplomatic efforts to avoid a potential US veto, the UN Security Council successfully passed a resolution on Friday aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is currently grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.
In a significant diplomatic shift, the US, facing international isolation and internal dissent within President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, opted to abstain from vetoing the resolution. This decision came after the resolution underwent modifications to accommodate Washington's demands.
Russia also abstained from the resolution, a move prompted by the US veto of Moscow’s proposed amendment to reintroduce a call for a “suspension of hostilities,” originally suggested in the resolution.
Originating from the United Arab Emirates, the resolution tactfully avoided any explicit mention of a ceasefire or a pause in hostilities, aligning with Israel's stance. Instead, it emphasized the need for actions "to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities."
The resolution urgently called for measures to "immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access" and to "facilitate the use of all available routes to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip."
A notable aspect of the resolution was its proposal for the establishment of a UN mechanism, overseen by an official appointed by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to expedite aid delivery. Notably, a US-requested removal was made to discard the proposal for a UN mechanism to inspect aid heading to Gaza rather than through Israel.
The resolution expressed condemnation for "all attacks against civilians and civilian objects" and urged the unconditional release of hostages. Secretary General Guterres, although disappointed by the absence of a humanitarian ceasefire, expressed hope that the resolution would underscore the necessity for effective humanitarian aid delivery.
Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia deemed the resolution "extremely neutered" due to compromises made to avoid a US veto. However, US Permanent Representative Linda Thomas Greenfield, while acknowledging the challenges faced during negotiations, emphasized that the Council had provided a glimmer of hope amid immense suffering.
The resolution’s call for adherence to international humanitarian law applied not only to Israel but also to Hamas, described as a terror group responsible for initiating the conflict and utilizing civilians as human shields.
This resolution marked the sixth to be presented to the Council since the October 7 Hamas terror strike on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 240 hostages. Notably, two resolutions were adopted, while others were vetoed by the US, Russia, or jointly by Russia and China, revealing deep polarization.
President Biden's administration, torn between loyalty to Israel and growing discontent within the Democratic Party, allowed the resolution to be adopted after four days of negotiations. The decision was influenced by increasing global support for a humanitarian ceasefire and a rising number of Democrats expressing sympathy for Palestine.
Despite this, the US could not fully support a resolution opposed by Israel, highlighting the complex diplomatic challenges faced by the Biden administration. A recent New York Times poll underscored a shifting sentiment within the Democratic Party, with a notable percentage expressing sympathy for Palestine, particularly in the crucial 18-29 age group, a key base of support for President Biden.
(With Agency Inputs)
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