Security Council adopts resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

On November 15, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Specifically, resolution 2712 calls for a ceasefire and the establishment of an emergency and expanded humanitarian corridor across the Gaza Strip “for a sufficient number of days” to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

The resolution stresses the need to facilitate the continuous, adequate and uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services throughout Gaza, including water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies, as well as the urgent repair of essential infrastructure.

According to the resolution, the ceasefire is also to facilitate emergency rescue and recovery efforts, including the search for missing children in damaged or destroyed buildings as well as the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.

The resolution, drafted by Malta, won the support of 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained.

The resolution also calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians, particularly children.

In addition, the UN Security Council resolution also called for the unconditional release of hostages being held in Gaza. However, this is a resolution calling for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire and the document does not mention a permanent ceasefire or truce.

UN Under-Secretary-General for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths on November 15 called on the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing as part of a 10-point plan to meet the needs of the people.

According to a reporter in Geneva, speaking to international media, Mr. Martin Griffiths called: "Israel please allow us to cross the Kerem Shalom border. It is important to remember that the Kerem Shalom border was used to transport more than 60% of the trucks entering the Gaza Strip before the current conflict."

Other elements of the plan presented by Mr Griffiths include facilitating efforts by aid agencies to bring continuous aid convoys into the Gaza Strip and allowing them to set up relief distribution centres for civilians.

The UN official also stressed the need to expand the number of safe shelters for displaced people in schools and other public facilities across the Gaza Strip and ensure that these places do not become targets.