The UN Security Council’s first intervention in the Gaza crisis –
a Russian-led draft resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire
– was voted down on Monday. Despite this setback, diplomatic
efforts are in full swing as ambassadors prepare to consider
another text on the unprecedented crisis.
The 15-member body that oversees peace and security issues, is
expected to decide on a second draft resolution later on Tuesday,
led by Brazil.
While it does not officially represent the position of the
Council until adopted, this proposal aims to mitigate ongoing
humanitarian suffering on the ground, establish corridors for
safe aid delivery, as well as protect UN and other humanitarian
workers who are struggling to provide lifesaving aid to the
people of Gaza.
Key differences
While both texts seek a humanitarian pause, there are key
differences, including reportedly over the major point of
contention in the Russian draft – explicit mention of the
extremist group Hamas which controls Gaza.
Russia’s ambassador told the emergency meeting on Monday,
Western powers opposing their resolution had “stomped” on hopes
of de-escalation, while the US ambassador said in failing to
condemn Hamas, Russia was “giving cover to a terrorist group that
brutalizes innocent civilians.”
In the hope of agreeing on unified action – never more important
than during a time of international crisis – ambassadors usually
seek to build support through resolutions, laying out a clear
path.
Rival or parallel drafts of resolutions are common, leaving
delegations to hammer out the details and soften the edges, often
behind closed doors.
If common positions can’t be reached, the draft goes for
a vote, where it either
passes, or – as on Monday night – is rejected.
UN chief to visit region
Meanwhile, UN officials continue to engage with all actors
involved in the widening crisis, to de-escalate tensions,
establish safe zones, and provide essential aid and medical
support to those in urgent need.
Secretary-General António
Guterres is set to arrive in Egypt on Thursday to meet
President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and others.
World leaders are also making appeals to de-escalate, with the
White House announcing President Joe Biden’s high stakes visit to
Israel and Jordan beginning on Wednesday, in a show of solidarity
with partners in the region.
A crisis erupts
UN and other humanitarian agencies have worked round the clock to
preposition aid since the latest war between Israel and Hamas
broke out following the militant group’s surprise 7 October
attack on several locations inside Israel, and Israel’s
subsequent declaration of war.
Thousands have reportedly been killed on both sides and hundreds
of thousands have been forced to flee south inside Gaza, where
the southern frontier remains closed so far to vital aid.
UN staff, primarily with the Palestine refugees agency UNRWA, as
well as medical personnel and aid workers, have also lost their
lives.
Concerns loom over the potential for the violence to spill over
into neighbouring countries, destabilizing the entire region –
and beyond.
