Security Council adopts resolution to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza

The 15-member council overcame a deadlock that saw four failed attempts last month to adopt a resolution that also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

UN Security Council members discuss the situation in Gaza after the resolution was passed. Photo: UN

The United States, Russia and the United Kingdom, which have veto power on the council, abstained in Wednesday's vote on the Malta-drafted resolution. The remaining 12 members voted in favor.

The council’s deadlock has largely focused on whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire. Pauses are generally seen as less important and shorter than a ceasefire. The US supports a pause, while Russia pushes for a ceasefire.

The resolution was the council's fifth such attempt since hostilities between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7. The text also did not condemn the Hamas attack - a point of contention for Israel's allies the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Council called for "urgent and prolonged humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to allow... full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access".

The resolution also calls for compliance with international law, in particular the protection of civilians, especially children. The statement calls on all parties not to deprive civilians in Gaza of basic services and humanitarian aid necessary for their survival.

The Security Council failed four times to adopt a resolution on the fighting in Gaza in October. Russia twice failed to get the required minimum number of votes, the US vetoed a resolution drafted by Brazil and Russia and China vetoed a resolution drafted by the US.

Last month, the 193-member UN General Assembly also adopted on October 28 – with 121 votes in favor – a resolution drafted by Arab states calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and demanding aid access to Gaza.

Hoang Anh (according to UN, Reuters, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/sau-4-lan-that-bai-hoi-dong-bao-an-da-thong-qua-nghi-quyet-tam-dung-giao-tranh-o-gaza-post272619.html