UN Security Council approves resolution calling for “urgent action” to ensure access to expanded humanitarian aid in Gaza

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a resolution calling for “urgent action” to ensure uninterrupted and secure access to expanded humanitarian aid in Gaza. The resolution, presented by the United Arab Emirates, was voted on during a session today after four postponements and intense negotiations among member countries in the UNSC.

According to reports, the resolution received 13 “yes” votes out of the 15-member UNSC, with the United States and Russia abstaining. Before the vote, the United States vetoed a proposed amendment by Russia calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza to ensure uninterrupted and secure access to humanitarian aid.

The original version of the resolution had been a subject of contention, with one of the disputed points being the call for a “cessation of hostilities” for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, which the United States opposed. The approved resolution now calls for urgent steps to ensure uninterrupted and secure access to expanded humanitarian aid in Gaza and the creation of necessary conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The United States had previously vetoed resolutions related to Gaza presented in the UNSC on October 16, 18, and 25. Following numerous sessions and the veto of several resolutions, Resolution 2712, calling for an “urgent and extended cessation of hostilities” in Gaza, was adopted on November 15 after the session on October 7.