The United Nations Security Council is set to vote today on a pivotal draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid.

The resolution, spearheaded by Algeria in collaboration with the ten elected non-permanent members of the Council (E10), comes amid what UN agencies have described as one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.

The proposed resolution explicitly demands an end to hostilities and immediate action to facilitate the safe, unimpeded, and widespread distribution of humanitarian aid through the United Nations and its humanitarian partners. It also calls for the full restoration of essential services in Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law and past Security Council resolutions.

Describing the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” the resolution reflects mounting global concern over the scale of destruction, suffering, and civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed over 54,510 civilians—most of them women and children—and wounded at least 124,901 others. More than 11,000 remain missing under the rubble, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.

Speaking on behalf of Palestine, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer to the United Nations, emphasized the urgency of Council action. “The Arab Group will not accept continued paralysis of the Security Council,” Mansour said. “This body must act to stop the aggression, to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable, and to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Mansour further rejected any notion that Israel could dictate the political future of Palestinians, asserting: “The people of Palestine will determine their own destiny, backed by the overwhelming majority of the nations of the world.”

The vote comes at a critical juncture, with Israel continuing its military onslaught on Gaza while severely restricting the flow of humanitarian aid. UN agencies and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza’s civilian population faces the dual threats of bombardment and mass starvation, as aid convoys are routinely blocked or bombed, and basic infrastructure lies in ruins.

If adopted, the resolution would place international legal and diplomatic pressure on Israel to halt its military operations and allow lifesaving assistance into Gaza. However, past attempts to pass similar resolutions have faced resistance, particularly from permanent Council members aligned with Tel Aviv.

Today’s vote is seen as a test of the Council’s credibility and capacity to act in the face of grave violations of international law and a mounting body count. Diplomats and observers say failure to adopt the resolution would further isolate the United Nations and signal to the world’s oppressed peoples that justice at the international level remains elusive.

As the world watches, the people of Gaza continue to suffer under siege and bombardment. The outcome of this vote may determine whether the international community will act decisively to halt the unfolding tragedy—or remain a silent witness to continued devastation. (ILKHA)