UN Security Council to Meet Again as Israel-Hamas War Rages On – News18

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Last Updated: October 29, 2023, 12:32 IST

New York, United States of America (USA)

The United States put forward a draft resolution last week as global outcry grew over a worsening humanitarian crisis and mounting civilian death toll in Gaza. (Reuters File Photo)

The UN Security Council will meet as Israel entered a new phase of its war on Hamas on Saturday, expanding its ground attacks

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to meet on Monday to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed diplomats and without elaborating.

The Security Council will meet as Israel entered a new phase of its war on Hamas on Saturday, expanding its ground attacks after blacking out nearly all communication in the Gaza Strip. In a press conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a war for Israel’s existence, and said “’Never again’ is now.”

Agency reports described the massive bombardment in Gaza from the land, air and sea as the most intense of the 3-week-old war. It knocked out most communications in the territory late Friday. Communications were later restored to many people in Gaza early Sunday, according to internet advocacy group NetBlocks.org.

Earlier on Friday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza by an overwhelming majority. However, the text made no mention of Hamas. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all civilians, the protection of civilians and international institutions, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

The initiative was nonbinding but highlighted the overwhelming support for the Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying that it is committed to toppling Hamas to prevent another mass assault like the one that took place three weeks ago.

Last week, the US vetoed a UNSC resolution put forth by Brazil calling for a “humanitarian pause” in the war because the text did not include respect for Israel’s right to defend itself. Russia and China then vetoed a resolution drafted by the US that would have reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.

(With agency inputs)