The UN Security Council passed a resolution earlier this week (Wednesday) calling for a temporary pause in the fighting in Gaza. The resolution, which passed with a vote of 12-0, called for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians and for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access.” The resolution, however, did not condemn Hamas. The US and the UK did not vote for the motion, while Russia abstained, expressing concerns that the resolution did not strongly call for peace.
In response, Israel dismissed the call for a humanitarian pause, with its ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, stating, “The decision is disconnected from reality and holds no significance.” Israel affirmed its commitment to operating in Gaza according to international law, emphasizing its ongoing actions until the destruction of Hamas and the return of kidnapped individuals.
There have been reports of a significant policy shift from Israel, as it consented to regular daily fuel deliveries into the Gaza Strip for the first time since the conflict began last month. The move is seen as a compromise after Israel raided the al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, to pressure Hamas into accepting an agreement on Israeli terms. The agreement includes a demand for the release of hostages, and Israel, despite accepting fuel deliveries, has indicated its intention to continue military operations until its goals are achieved.
Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz emphasized that even if Israel agrees to a short pause in military operations for hostage release, the combat and the war will not stop until the goals are achieved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly rejected a hostage agreement earlier because he wanted to free captives using the Israeli military and insisted on a ground offensive.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions, a lack of agreement on ceasefire terms, and international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
