THE UN Security Council resolution on Friday aimed at boosting humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip has once again exposed the inadequacy of international efforts in addressing the deepening crisis in the region. The compromise in language regarding the cessation of hostilities also left several Council members frustrated, with concerns raised about the potential consequences for the Palestinian people.
The dire situation on the ground in Gaza remains alarming. A United Nations-backed report has highlighted that the entire population of Gaza, numbering 2.3 million, is facing crisis levels of hunger, with the risk of famine escalating daily. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, published by 23 UN and non-governmental agencies, reveals that the proportion of households in Gaza experiencing acute food insecurity is the largest ever recorded globally. The report indicates that 576,600 people in Gaza are at catastrophic levels of food insecurity, bordering on starvation. The population’s vulnerability to disease outbreaks has increased due to weakened immune systems resulting from insufficient nourishment. The compromised language in the UN Security Council resolution, shifting from an “urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” to “urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered and expanded humanitarian access,” is really unfortunate and alarming. It is essential to recognize that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands more than incremental steps. A decisive and immediate ceasefire is indispensable to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian people and that they have access to essential medical care. Without cessation of hostilities, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is likely to exacerbate, jeopardizing the lives and well-being of the already vulnerable population. At this critical juncture, it is imperative for the United States to reconsider its position and not oppose resolutions calling for a cessation of hostilities. The US holds significant influence and plays a pivotal role in international diplomacy. Standing by the oppressed rather than the oppressor is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic approach towards achieving lasting peace in the region. The OIC should actively engage with the United States, urging it to leverage its influence to halt the use of force and facilitate a resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
