U.N. Security Council Votes in Favor of Resolution Calling for Humanitarian Pause in Gaza Fighting

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday voted in favor of a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza. The resolution calls for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip” to enable humanitarian access for the delivery of aid and other essential services.

The resolution was adopted 40 days after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel, which Israel says killed at least 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The final draft watered down language from a “demand” to a “call” for humanitarian pauses, and also removed a demand for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.”

The U.S., U.K. and Russia abstained on the measure, with the other dozen council members voting in favor. The resolution makes no mention of a cease-fire.

The resolution is the first response from the U.N. Security Council since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. It is hoped that the resolution will provide much needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have been suffering from the conflict for months.

The resolution is a step in the right direction towards providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, but it is unclear if it will be enough to bring an end to the conflict. The international community must continue to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict and ensure the safety of all those affected.