The UN Security Council once again faced an impasse in reaching a consensus on a draft resolution aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The draft resolution was crafted by the E-10, a group comprising ten non-permanent member states of the Security Council. However, during a private UNSC session on Monday, the United States and the United Kingdom, both permanent members with veto power, opposed the resolution.
Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, acknowledged that no agreement had been reached at that point but mentioned discussions regarding humanitarian pauses. He expressed an interest in developing language concerning this issue. However, there was a difference of opinion within the Security Council about whether such language would be acceptable.
Meanwhile, China's UN Ambassador, Jun Zhang, urgently called for a ceasefire to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He emphasized the ongoing civilian casualties, particularly among children, and the dire situation in Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, who co-initiated the meeting with China, highlighted the ongoing discussions within the Council. She condemned the attacks by both Hamas and Israel and expressed concern about the continued detention of hostages. She called for their immediate and unconditional release, along with their safety and well-being, in accordance with international law. Nusseibeh also pointed out the grave violations against children, such as the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of access to humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.
During the meeting, UN humanitarian officials provided updates to the Security Council on the severe humanitarian situation in the region. This recent failure to pass a resolution in the Security Council adds to a series of previous challenges, including two previous US vetoes on the matter.
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