U.N. Resolution Boosts Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amid Worsening Conflict
The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Despite Israeli criticism, the resolution aims to allow safe and expanded humanitarian access to the region. The U.S., Israel's main ally, abstained from the vote after language changes were made. The resolution no longer calls for a ceasefire, but instead focuses on creating conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. Israel has vowed to continue its offensive until all hostages are released and Hamas is destroyed.
U.N. Security Council Approves Resolution for Humanitarian Aid
The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Initially, the resolution called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, but the language was changed to focus on expanding humanitarian access. The U.S., Israel's main ally, abstained from the vote after days of discussions and threats of a veto. The resolution aims to create the conditions necessary for a sustainable end to the conflict.
The adoption of the resolution comes as Gaza experiences a soaring death toll and a severe humanitarian crisis. The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed and 53,320 wounded since the conflict started. The resolution calls for urgent steps to allow safe and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza, addressing the critical needs of its 2.3 million people.
Israel Criticizes U.N.'s Focus on Aid, Vows to Continue Offensive
Israeli officials have criticized the U.N.'s focus on aid mechanisms to Gaza, calling it unnecessary and disconnected from reality. Israel argues that it is already allowing aid deliveries at the required scale. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to eradicate Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza. The offensive was launched after Hamas fighters kidnapped hostages and launched cross-border raids into southern Israel.
Despite the resolution's call for expanded aid, both Israel and the U.S. oppose a ceasefire. They argue that it would only benefit Hamas. Instead, they support temporary pauses in fighting to protect civilians and free hostages. Israel maintains control over aid deliveries to Gaza and monitors them through designated crossings. The U.S. abstained from the resolution, signaling a more critical stance on the suffering of Gaza's people.
Escalation of Hostilities in Gaza Continues
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, reports of air strikes, bombardments, and fighting continue to emerge from Gaza. Israel has widened its ground offensive, ordering residents of Al-Bureij to move south immediately. The military has engaged with Hamas gunmen on the edges of Al-Bureij but has yet to push deeper into the built-up area.
Civilian casualties are mounting, with reports of Israeli strikes on houses, cars, and hospitals. Medical charity MSF described the situation in the northern part of Gaza as a 'pile of rubble'. Gaza's health authorities have warned of a growing risk of famine and a severe shortage of essential supplies. Aid deliveries are not meeting the critical needs of the 2.3 million people living in Gaza.
