Criticism Mounts Against U.N. for Resolution Excluding Gaza Ceasefire Appeal

Global organizations have faced criticism for the recent U.N. Security Council resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas war. The resolution, which called for increased humanitarian aid, did not include a demand for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery. The U.S. vetoed a Russian amendment that would have included ceasefire language, leading to debates and delays before the final version was passed. The resolution stated that parties must allow safe and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza and work towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The resolution received 13 votes in favor at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, with the U.S. and Russia abstaining from voting. However, the U.N. and humanitarian groups have criticized the resolution, stating that it does little to alleviate the suffering and death in Gaza without an immediate and sustained ceasefire. According to the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, over 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in less than three months.

Avril Benoît, executive director of MSF (Doctors Without Borders) USA, described the resolution as “watered down” and lacking impact on the lives of civilians in Gaza. Other groups, including the International Rescue Committee and Amnesty International, also expressed disappointment and accused the U.S. of stalling and weakening the resolution.

During a press briefing, Guterres emphasized the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to end the ongoing nightmare in Gaza. He highlighted that Israel’s control over aid into the territory and its offensive tactics have created significant obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, defended the U.S. position and stated that the resolution does not support steps that would leave Hamas in power, as it would undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Instead, Thomas-Greenfield advocated for more humanitarian pauses and highlighted a previous temporary truce that allowed aid and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Critics also pointed out instances of alleged human rights violations during the war. Concerns were raised about Israeli troops storming a hospital and Israeli snipers allegedly shooting two Christian women inside a church. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissed accusations of breaking international law and claimed that civilian deaths were unintentional casualties.

However, Guterres stated that there is no effective protection for civilians in Gaza, and the situation has led to mass starvation, lack of clean water, and barely functioning hospitals. The suffering and devastation in Gaza have shocked humanitarian veterans who have witnessed various war zones and disasters around the world.

In conclusion, the U.N. Security Council’s resolution calling for increased humanitarian aid in the Israel-Hamas war has faced criticism for not demanding an immediate ceasefire. Global organizations and humanitarian groups argue that the resolution falls short in effectively addressing the suffering and death in Gaza.