On Thursday (18 September), the UN Security Council is expected to hold a crucial vote on a resolution addressing both humanitarian aid access and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This follows nearly two years of conflict that began with the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, in which over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The continuing war has pushed Gaza into famine, as declared by the UN, intensifying calls for urgent international action.
The draft resolution under consideration has been shaped by extensive discussions among the Council’s 10 non-permanent members since late August. Initial drafts focused mainly on opening channels for humanitarian aid delivery, but several permanent members, including France, the UK, and Russia, raised concerns about limiting the scope to aid alone. They argued that the Security Council’s responsibility extends beyond humanitarian relief to ensuring broader international peace and security.
As a result, the current text goes further than previous attempts, demanding both immediate and unrestricted aid access and an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.” It also calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. This broader approach reflects growing international frustration with the ongoing war and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.
However, the United States has already dismissed similar proposals several times, most recently in June, raising doubts about whether the resolution will pass. Washington has consistently vetoed Gaza-related measures that go against its stance, citing Israel’s right to self-defense. The outcome of the Thursday vote will likely shape discussions at next week’s annual UN summit in New York, where Gaza is expected to dominate the global agenda.
References
UN Security Council to vote on Gaza ceasefire and aid despite repeated US opposition
U.S. Veto Certain in Gaza Ceasefire Vote Today in Security Council
