UN finally approves toned down resolution calling for more humanitarian aid to pass into Gaza

Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/eudebates The United Nations Security Council today approved a toned-down bid to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps 'to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities' after a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to avoid a veto by the United States. Amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the U.S. abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The remaining council members voted for the resolution except for Russia which also abstained. Israeli officials have made it clear they are not interested in a two-state solution. This leaves Tel Aviv with one of 3 choices for a long-term settlement, all of which assume Israeli domination over the entire region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Will it uphold the status quo of an apartheid state, move towards a 'Greater Israel', or finally accept calls for a one-state solution where all Israelis and Palestinians can live as full citizens with full and equal rights? Even with war raging in Gaza, it is critical at this important juncture to enable parties to re-engage on the long-delayed political path to a two-State solution, the United Nations’ point man for Middle East peace told the Security Council today, as he urged Israelis, Palestinians, States in the region and the broader international community to work together towards that goal. “The UN’s efforts to support this objective has already begun through active consultations in the region. Our work must continue,” said Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, as he presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), through which the Council demanded the Israel halt all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements in pursuit of a two-State solution, he said. This year is ending as one of the deadliest in the history of the Middle East conflict, he said, adding: “The toll on civilians, including women and children, remains unbearable.” In Gaza, limited steps by Israel, including allowing entry of more fuel, food and cooking gas, are positive, but fall far short of what is needed to address the human catastrophe. Meanwhile, the West Bank continues to suffer mounting pressures from settlement activity, settler violence, a rapidly deteriorating economic situation and a Palestinian Authority struggling to face these challenges, he said. “I strongly condemn the abhorrent armed attacks by Hamas and others in Israel” on 7 October, he said, adding that he is appalled by reports of sexual violence during the attacks, which must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Expressing concern over wider regional spillover, he said that it is imperative that Lebanon not be dragged into a regional conflagration and that the parties return to a cessation of hostilities. Patrick Gauchat, Head of Mission and Chief of Staff, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), said that UNTSO’s military observers, which constitute Observer Group Lebanon and Observer Group Golan, under the operational control of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), respectively, have taken appropriate security measures in recent weeks. For example, in the Golan since 8 October, the military crossing points which UNTSO uses between Israel and Lebanon, as well as between the Israeli-occupied Golan and the Syrian-controlled Golan, have been closed. In the ensuing discussion, Council members expressed strong views on the situation in the Middle East, with many expressing deep alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Stay connected with us! Facebook:   / eudebates.tv   Twitter:   / eudebates   Instagram:   / eudebates.tv   #eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #Israel #Gaza #truce #hostages #Palestine #hostage #Netanyahu #Jerusalem #Palestinians #MiddleEast #gazawar #Hamas #war #Hamas #massacre #israelpalestineconflict #israelhamaswar