THE United Nations Security Council on Monday demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian fighters Hamas and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages after the United States abstained from the vote. The Security Council resolution also “emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip and reiterates its demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.”
By adopting the latest resolution, the world community has spoken once again against the ongoing bloodbath in Gaza where over 32,000 innocent people have been killed in relentless bombing by Israeli forces since October 07. Many countries including Pakistan have welcomed the passage of the resolution hoping it will mark the first step toward ending Israel’s brutal attacks, securing a lasting ceasefire and addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also welcomed the resolution saying its adoption is a step in the right direction to end the five-month war, to allow the entry of aid and to begin the return of those displaced. The Palestinian group Hamas said it was committed to the conditions of the resolution and said Israel must be held accountable in adhering to it. However, it rightly pointed out “How strong is the international community to oblige Israel to implement this resolution”? The intentions of the Jewish State have been highlighted by a report aired by Israeli Radio, which said shortly before the Council meeting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would cancel a planned delegation to Washington if the US did not veto the resolution. There are, however, expectations that the US would use its good offices with Tel Aviv to make it agreeable to ceasefire as demanded in the resolution. In fact, a permanent ceasefire is the need of the hour to ensure provision of badly needed medical and food aid as well as initiation of a gigantic rehabilitation process.
