ALBAWABA - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has greenlit a resolution, initiated by the United Arab Emirates, urging swift measures to guarantee unimpeded and secure access to expanded humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The decision was reached following several delays and intense negotiations among the 15-member UNSC.
The proposal secured 13 "yes" votes, with the United States and Russia opting for abstention. Prior to the vote, the U.S. rejected a proposed amendment by Russia, which called for an immediate halt to hostilities to facilitate smooth and secure access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Initially sparking debate, the resolution initially demanded a "cessation of hostilities" for unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, drawing objections from the U.S. The revised resolution now emphasizes the need for immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted and secure access to expanded humanitarian aid in Gaza and the creation of conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
Another sticking point was the resolution's request for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to establish a mechanism for aid monitoring. After rigorous negotiations, the parties settled on appointing the Secretary-General's "Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator" to expedite aid transport to Gaza's civilian population.
The resolution also requests the Secretary-General to report to the UNSC on the resolution's implementation within five days of adoption.
Significantly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter on December 6, urging the UNSC to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The plea for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire was subsequently vetoed by the U.S. in a vote on December 8. Earlier vetoes by the U.S. on October 16, 18, and 25 in the UNSC blocked similar resolutions.
