UN Security Council votes to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza, US, Russia abstain

The United Nations Security Council has successfully passed a resolution aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the severe crisis in the region. The resolution received 13 votes in favor, with the United States and Russia abstaining. The US had previously lobbied for changes in the language calling for a ceasefire.

The situation in Gaza has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing an estimated 90 per cent of the strip's 2.3 million residents. United Nations officials have described the conditions as "hell on earth." Intense negotiations took place over the past week, with member states working to find language that would address US objections, given its veto power.

The adopted resolution calls for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" throughout Gaza for a "sufficient number of days" to facilitate increased aid shipments. While the original draft had sought a more sustainable cessation of hostilities and greater UN control over aid deliveries, the adopted resolution allows Israel to maintain control over all aid.

Humanitarian groups and some diplomats criticized the resolution for not calling for a full ceasefire, stating that temporary pauses in fighting were insufficient to address Gaza's dire humanitarian situation. The resolution's passing, with the US abstaining, is seen as a step forward in addressing the crisis, with hopes that it will lead to a lasting ceasefire and pave the way for peace in the region.

This development follows earlier instances where the US vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and expressed dissent when the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a ceasefire resolution. The international community recognizes the urgency of aid delivery in Gaza and aims for a comprehensive resolution to bring an end to the conflict.