By: Ahmed Fathi
UNHQ:- In a historic moment at the United Nations Security Council, member states successfully reached a unified stance on the Israel-Palestine crisis that erupted on October 7. Resolution 2712 was adopted with overwhelming support, as 12 members voted in favor, none against, and three abstained (Russia, United Kingdom, United States).
The resolution, a product of diplomatic negotiations, calls for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" in Gaza. These pauses are intended to last for a "sufficient number of days," facilitating full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access for UN agencies and their partners to provide crucial humanitarian aid.
One of the key provisions of the resolution is a call for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children." Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring immediate humanitarian access in the region.
The Council, through additional measures outlined in the resolution, urges all involved parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in Gaza of basic services and aid indispensable to their survival, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Notably, the resolution does not explicitly condemn the Hamas attacks that triggered the current wave of violence and the battle for control of Gaza.
During the deliberations, an amendment proposed by Russia was rejected, receiving five votes in favor, one against, and nine abstentions. The resolution's passage was hailed by the ambassador of Malta, the penholder of the resolution, who remarked, "Our vote today translates into real human lives."
However, some ambassadors expressed reservations. Ambassadors from the United Kingdom and the United States separately regretted the omission of a condemnation of Hamas in the resolution. They voiced support for civilian protection and the swift delivery of aid.
Russia's ambassador emphasized the need for a genuine ceasefire and hinted at the Council's potential consideration of further steps, including the deployment of observers to the conflict area and the involvement of specific UN contingents.
Palestine's Permanent Observer to the UN called for an end to the "madness" and stressed that "it is time for peace." Meanwhile, Israel's Ambassador asserted that the crisis could be immediately resolved if all Israeli hostages were returned unharmed, and Hamas laid down their arms, turning themselves in.
The Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2712 marks a significant step toward addressing the complex challenges in the Israel-Palestine region. The international community will be closely watching the developments following this diplomatic milestone.