The United Nations Security Council has once again delayed a crucial vote on increasing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as the death toll in the region exceeds 20,000. Palestinian officials report that at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women are among the casualties. The postponement aims to avoid a potential veto from the United States, which has historically shielded its ally, Israel, from UN action.
The conflict in Gaza has entered a more intense phase since the collapse of a seven-day truce on December 1. Ground combat, previously limited to the northern half of the territory, has now spread across its entire length. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledges the escalating casualty count and emphasizes the need for a shift towards more targeted Israeli operations, focusing on dealing with the leadership of Hamas, the tunnel network, and other critical factors. Blinken predicts that as these changes occur, the harm inflicted on civilians will decrease significantly.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, air strikes continue to ravage Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 46 people and numerous injuries, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. In Rafah, airstrikes hit a building near a hospital where a news crew was reporting live, resulting in the deaths of ten people. The expansion of Israeli military operations into supposed safe zones has increased the number of victims.
The delayed UN Security Council vote seeks to enhance aid to the Gaza Strip and establish UN monitoring of humanitarian deliveries. The United Arab Emirates, which drafted the resolution, states that the vote will now take place on Thursday. The resolution aims to reduce Israel’s control over aid deliveries to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. However, modifications have been made to soften calls for an immediate end to the fighting, as the US has previously vetoed similar resolutions. Efforts are being made to ensure that the resolution does not hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Currently, Israel monitors limited humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt and the Israel-controlled Karem Abu Salem crossing. On Wednesday, the first aid convoy directly entered Gaza from Jordan, carrying 750 metric tonnes of food. The World Food Programme reports that half of Gaza’s population is starving, with only 10% of the required food entering the region since the start of the war.
While the US and Israel oppose a ceasefire, advocating for temporary pauses to protect civilians and secure the release of captives held by Hamas, there are indications of a potential truce. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh made a rare personal visit to Egypt to meet with Cairo’s spy chief and other officials, who are acting as mediators. Israeli officials have also expressed openness to a truce in talks with US and Qatari representatives. However, significant differences in the two sides’ positions on halting the fighting remain, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire and Israel insisting on limited humanitarian pauses until Hamas is defeated.
US President Joe Biden acknowledges the ongoing efforts but does not anticipate an imminent deal for the release of captives held in Gaza. The international community continues to push for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza, striving to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and bring about a lasting peace.
