Breaking news: The draft resolution submitted by Malta at the UNSC was voted in the emergency session. The bill was accepted with the “yes” vote of 12 out of 15 members and the “abstention” vote of 3. The USA, Russia and the UK were the countries that abstained from voting.
On the other hand, the Council rejected Russia’s amendment proposal to include the term ceasefire instead of “humanitarian pause”.
‘IMMEDIATE AND EXTENDED HUMANITARIAN INTERRUPTION’ WAS REQUESTED
The decision demanded an “immediate and extended humanitarian pause in hostilities” instead of a humanitarian ceasefire and the establishment of corridors in the Gaza Strip in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In the resolution, it was stated that the intervals in question should be “sufficient days” in accordance with international humanitarian law, and called on the UN and its partners for uninterrupted, rapid and safe access for humanitarian aid.
The decision called for the release of all hostages, especially children, from Hamas and other groups, and asked for an end to the obstruction of the supply of basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza.
The decision pointed out that these practices created a great burden, especially on children, and emphasized that aid should be provided in a way that meets the needs of children and the whole society.
The decision emphasized the importance of coordination and advance information, and requested communication with the UN regarding the movement of children, patients and staff.
In the decision, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was asked to provide information to the UNSC regarding the implementation of the decision.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN HAS BEEN AT THE FOREGOING
In the decision, all parties are requested to respect international law, international humanitarian and human rights law, and “International humanitarian law provides protection to children.” The statement was included.
Reminding that the principle of “protection of children in conflict” is included in the Geneva Convention, the decision opposed the deprivation of basic needs and forced displacement of civilians in Gaza, especially children.
The decision stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza also harms the education process of children.
It was noteworthy that the decision did not mention Hamas’s attack on Israel or the civilian deaths caused by Israel. Expressions of condemnation in previous drafts had not received the approval of member states. For this reason, it is thought that Malta avoided addressing these issues, especially in order to pass the decision.
4 DRAFT DECISIONS WERE VETO
The UNSC vetoed 4 draft resolutions regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza after October 7.
The USA, the UK, France and Japan voted “no” to the draft resolution, which was first submitted by Russia on October 17 and requested a “humanitarian ceasefire”.
Following this, Brazil’s draft resolution demanding “a pause in hostilities” was vetoed by the USA on October 18.
Later, on October 26, the US draft addressing “countries’ right to self-defense” was vetoed by Russia and China, and on the same day, Russia’s draft resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire was vetoed by the US and the UK.
Although the draft resolutions were not passed, 121 countries in the 193-member UN General Assembly voted “yes” to the bill calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
For the resolution to be approved by the UNSC, 9 countries must vote “yes” and no permanent member must veto the resolution.
The main responsibility of the UNSC, also known as the executive body of the UN, stands out as “maintaining international peace and security”.
The UNSC, which is responsible for contributing to the development of friendly relations between member countries, also needs to cooperate to solve international problems. (AA-IHA)
