GAZA CITY: The Gaza Strip remains embroiled in a humanitarian crisis as the health ministry reported on Wednesday that at least 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in unrelenting Israeli bombardments since October 7. The staggering figures include 8,000 children and 6,200 women, underscoring the devastating toll on the civilian population.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7, has continued for over two months, with ongoing difficulties in accurately documenting casualties in the war zone. The true number of fatalities may be higher, as health ministry officials acknowledge challenges in determining the exact count, exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding individuals buried beneath the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli air strikes.
Amid this dire situation, the UN Security Council is set to vote on a new resolution today, urging an “urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” in Gaza. This comes just days after the United States blocked a previous resolution calling for a “humanitarian ceasefire.”
Key allies, including US President Joe Biden and former UK defense secretary Ben Wallace, have expressed impatience with Israel, warning of potential consequences for its “indiscriminate” bombing of Gaza.
UN Security Council Set to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
In the previous UN General Assembly vote, 153 out of 193 member countries supported a ceasefire, highlighting growing international concern. The latest UNSC resolution, drafted by the United Arab Emirates, not only calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities but also advocates for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing reporters in Washington during an end-of-year briefing, emphasized the US focus on several priorities in the Middle East. He stressed Israel’s obligation to both remove Hamas and minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.
Blinken expressed determination to ensure the safe return of hostages and conveyed hope for a “moment of possibility” emerging from the ongoing tragedy. He underscored that a two-state solution would require challenging decisions from all parties, including the United States.
