On December 22, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2720, calling for an accelerated delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians throughout Gaza.
Resolution 2720 requires all parties involved in the conflict to facilitate the direct delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid. It also requests the UN Secretary-General to establish a coordinator in Gaza and relevant working mechanisms to oversee the aid distribution. Additionally, the resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and ensures that humanitarian workers can address their medical needs.
The resolution reaffirms support for a two-state solution and emphasizes the necessity to unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The adoption of Resolution 2720 marks the second resolution passed by the Security Council since the conflict escalated on October 7.
Mixed Reactions from Member States
Member states displayed varied reactions to the resolution. The United States and Russia abstained from the vote, highlighting ongoing divisions within the Council.
Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed disappointment after an amendment proposed by Russia calling for an immediate ceasefire was vetoed by the United States. “This is a tragic moment for the Council,” he remarked.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield appreciated the Security Council’s clear stance on the release of hostages and the necessity of humanitarian access. However, she expressed concern that the Council was unable to condemn the attacks committed by Hamas on October 7. “We are appalled that we were again unable to do so,” she stated.
China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dai Bing, welcomed the resolution and urged Israel to “immediately change course, stop indiscriminate military attacks, and stop collective punishment of the population of Gaza.” He emphasized Israel’s obligation, as the occupying power, to protect the humanitarian needs of the Gaza people and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.
Israel’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Brett Jonathan Miller, stressed that the issue of hostages must remain at the forefront of the Security Council’s agenda. He asserted that Israel’s security inspections of aid to Gaza “will not change.”
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, viewed the resolution as a positive step. “This resolution is a step in the right direction. It must be implemented and accompanied by massive pressure for an immediate ceasefire,” he said.
Hope for Increased Humanitarian Aid
The adoption of Resolution 2720 brings hope that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza may see some relief. International pressure on Israel has been mounting as ground operations continue and the situation in Gaza worsens. While Israel has indicated it will allow more humanitarian supplies into Gaza, it insists that strict inspections and monitoring of aid distribution will remain in place.
The resolution’s emphasis on humanitarian aid and the release of hostages underscores the urgent need for a de-escalation of the conflict and the protection of civilians. However, the ongoing disagreements among Security Council members and the parties involved in the conflict highlight the challenges ahead in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
