Israel-Gaza war: UN chief accuses Israeli forces of creating obstacles for aid after Security Council vote
20,000 Palestinians have been killed as the death toll reaches a new grim milestone
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The head of the United Nations has accused Israel of creating “massive obstacles” to aid distribution within Gaza after the UN Security Council has called for more humanitarian assistance within the battered enclave.
António Guterres took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his concerns about the conduct of Israeli forces which he says is escalating the humanitarian crisis.
He said: “The way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.
“An effective aid operation in Gaza requires security; staff who can work in safety; logistical capacity; and the resumption of commercial activity. “
It comes as the United Nations Security Council voted in favour of boosting humanitarian to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps “to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities” on Friday.
Although the US did ultimately abstain, the 15-member council was able to adopt the resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates as 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
Why was the resolution drafted?
The “purpose” of the draft resolution introduced by the United Arab Emirates said “is very simple,” ambassador Lana Nusseibeh told the council in New York on Friday.
It “responds with action” to the dire conditions in Gaza while protecting those who are trying to deliver aid,” she said.
The resolution demands “urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” amid dire warnings from international aid groups and pressure from global officials for an end to the siege.
Within 10 weeks, Israel’s air-and-ground assault in Gaza has now killed more than 20,000 people, a figure that amounts to nearly 1 per cent of the population before Israel’s war against Hamas.
Israel launched its devastating retaliatory campaign following Hamas attacks in Israel on 7 October that left 1,200 people dead and took roughly 240 hostages.
Israel’s response has killed roughly one in every 100 people in Gaza. More than two-thirds are women and children.
UN Security Council passes resolution on Gaza aid amid calls for ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council has voted in favour of boosting humanitarian said to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps “to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities” on Friday.
The vote was initially scheduled for Monday but was finally agreed after a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to avoid a veto by the United States.
It comes amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
The US abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments