The United Nations Security Council has passed Resolution 2712, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in the Gaza Strip. The resolution emphasizes the need for these pauses to last “for a sufficient number of days” to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and the provision of essential goods and services.
The resolution, drafted by Malta, received support from 12 out of the 15 council members. However, notable abstentions came from the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
The resolution specifically addresses the immediate requirements for the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza. It aims to facilitate the continuous and sufficient provision of vital resources, including water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of emergency repairs to essential infrastructure.
One of the critical aspects highlighted in the resolution is the necessity to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts, particularly for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings. Additionally, it stresses the need for the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.
The demand for compliance with international law, including humanitarian law, is a central theme of Resolution 2712. The resolution specifically underscores the obligation of all parties to uphold their responsibilities under international law, with a particular focus on the protection of civilians, especially children.
Prior to the vote, Russia proposed an oral amendment seeking an “immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.” This language mirrors the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on October 27 during an emergency special session. However, the oral amendment failed to secure enough votes for adoption.
