UN Security Council anticipates key vote on Gaza aid access

Asia
By Xinhua | Dec 19, 2023
Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Oct 21, 2023. [Xinhua]

The UN Security Council is gearing up for a crucial vote, possibly on Monday, on a draft resolution calling for the facilitation of aid access to Gaza through various routes, diplomatic sources said Sunday.

The outcome of the draft "largely depends" on the final negotiations between the United States, a key ally of Israel with veto power in the council, and the United Arab Emirates, the author of the draft text, the sources said.

The draft resolution calls for an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip" and demands the "immediate and ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001484254/un-demands-humanitarian-truce-as-gaza-aid-faces-collapse">unconditional release< of all hostages."

For the draft to pass in the Security Council, it requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any of the permanent members, namely the United States, France, China, Britain, and Russia.

UN officials and aid agencies have raised alarms about "a humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, including mass starvation and disease, as a vast majority of the region's 2.3 million people have been displaced during the ongoing two-month conflict.

Earlier this month, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/world/article/2001484103/impact-of-war-on-women-and-girls-in-gaza-alarming-as-global-bodies-call-for-ceasefire">the United States vetoed< a draft resolution at the Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Subsequently, the UN General Assembly called for a ceasefire last week, with a significant majority voting in favor.

The United States and Israel have expressed opposition to a ceasefire, arguing it would predominantly "benefit Hamas." Instead, the United States supports "temporary pauses in combat" to protect civilians and enable the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Share this story
Okinyi stars as Kenya rule African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
The continental showpiece has attracted nine countries who are battling for glory at Ruaraka.
Rono elected new Kenya Universities Sports Federation boss
A total of 40 delegates took part in the national elections held on Friday in Nakuru.
Champions KCB renew rivalry with Kenya Pipeline
The bankers will be looking to launch their title defence on a high having not played during the first leg staged in Nyeri.
Asati and Ooro to lead Shujaa ahead of World Rugby Sevens Series return
Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi miss out due to contract issues.
Faith Kipyegon awarded Honorary Doctor of Education Degree
Triple-Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Eldoret, acknowledging her unparalleled contributions to athletics.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS