The UN General Assembly’s Emergency Special Session is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, with several countries yet to voice their opinions on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The majority of Member States have voted in favor of a humanitarian ceasefire to stop the violence between Israeli forces and Hamas.

To understand the significance of that, refer to our story here.

The following are the main takeaways from the Security Council’s meeting on Monday evening, where ambassadors have yet to reach a consensus on a revised draft for further deliberation. Despite this, negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days.

Meeting Highlights

• The United Arab Emirates and China have requested an urgent meeting following Israel’s escalation of ground operations into Gaza during the weekend.

• Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, briefed ambassadors on the dire humanitarian situation in the ravaged enclave, stressing women and children cannot be “collateral damage”

• The head of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, described the impact of the severe trauma experienced by children on both sides, warning that the effects could have long-lasting consequences.

• Lisa Doughten, a top official from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the importance of a break in the conflict to give relief to vulnerable civilians who are enduring extremely distressing circumstances.

• Members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, recalling the General Assembly’s resolution on the crisis that took place on Friday.

• The General Assembly will resume its emergency special session on Tuesday to address the crisis. The session is scheduled to start at 3 PM in New York.

To review the functioning of the Security Council during a crisis and its process of negotiating resolutions or reaching a stalemate, please refer to our explanatory article.

---

7:10 PM

Israel vows to protect itself from complete destruction.

Gilad Erdan, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, stated that the agricultural communities in southern Israel that were attacked by Hamas militants were peaceful, reminiscent of his grandparents’ village in Transylvania.

He stated that whole communities were wiped out, but this time by Hamas Nazis. Entire Israeli families suffered the same fate as his grandfather’s family in Auschwitz – they were turned to smoke and ash.

“The vicious Hamas terrorists not only share a similar ideology with the German Nazis, but also the brutality of their crimes. Both aim to exterminate the Jews,” he stated.

Ambassador Erdan stated that the government in Iran, known as the “Ayatollah regime,” is comparable to the Nazi regime and its armed groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Houthis, Revolutionary Guard, and other violent jihadists.

He stated that the Ayatollah regime spreads death and destruction wherever it goes, similar to the Nazi regime.

Mr. Erdan pointed out that more than 250,000 Israeli citizens have been forced to leave their homes since the start of the conflict with Hamas on October 7th. He also mentioned that millions are enduring ongoing and unselective rocket attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other extremist groups.

“Does the Council have no response to this? Is this not a factor in the Middle East situation?” He accused the Security Council of remaining quiet while innocent Jewish civilians, including children, suffer atrocities.

“Some countries have not learned from the past 80 years. Some individuals have forgotten the purpose of this organization, so I will remind you. Whenever you see me, you will be reminded of the consequences of remaining silent in the face of evil,” he stated. He also announced, “Similar to my grandparents and millions of Jews, my team and I will now wear yellow stars.”

The Ambassador rose to his feet and adorned his suit with a yellow star, as did his delegation.

“We will continue to wear this star until you denounce the acts of violence committed by Hamas and demand the prompt release of our hostages,” he stated, further explaining, “we proudly wear the yellow star as a symbol of our determination to fight and protect ourselves.”

Ambassador Erdan expressed concern that antisemites are gaining influence and advocating for violence against Jews in various countries. He questioned whether the Security Council would remain passive as anti-Jewish sentiment escalates, and whether it would follow a policy of appeasement like Chamberlin did with the Nazis, or instead adopt the approach of Winston Churchill to combat evil with determination and sacrifice.

He emphasized the resilience of the Israeli people, stating “we are unbreakable and will not be moved.”

Numerous attempts have been made to annihilate us, including by the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Nazis, among others. However, none have been successful. The Iranian empire will meet the same fate,” he declared. He further stated, “By the grace of God, Israel will triumph. Our captives will be returned and the people of our nation will experience peace and liberty.”

6:10 PM

The current situation in Gaza has been described as hell on Earth by many.

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, Riyad Mansour, expressed gratitude towards the UN agency briefers for their heartfelt pleas for action on the ground in Gaza, in an effort to prevent further loss of Palestinian lives.

He emphasized the importance of following the UN’s request for 100 trucks daily.

He stated that they are the top representatives of the United Nations and expressed gratitude for the Secretary-General’s request for a humanitarian ceasefire at the Rafah crossing last week.

The ambassador stated that Gaza has become a living hell.

He stated that the UN’s act of saving the people of Gaza would ultimately be saving humanity from a terrible fate. He painted a picture of the current situation, where over half of the population is constantly on the move and in danger of being killed.

According to him, about half of the residences in Gaza have been harmed or demolished, resulting in over 1.4 million people being forcefully removed from their homes. He also stated that nearly all of the inhabitants of Gaza are currently displaced, resorting to sleeping in vehicles or on the streets, and are still at risk of being killed no matter where they seek refuge.

According to a leaked document from the Israeli Intelligence Ministry, it has been confirmed that the plan to move Palestinians from Gaza to tent cities in Sinai is not just a threat, but a real attempt by Israel. The speaker highlighted that over 8,000 Palestinians have died so far, 3,000 of whom were in southern Gaza where Israel has forcibly relocated hundreds of thousands of people.

“These shocking statistics continue to increase as time passes without taking action to halt the attack on our population,” he stated, underscoring that one statistic depicts the enormity of this “artificial calamity”: Israel has caused the death of 3,500 Palestinian children in a mere three weeks, surpassing the yearly number of children killed in conflict zones globally since 2019, as reported by Save the Children.

He stated that a Palestinian child is killed every five minutes and questioned the Council about when they will finally take action and acknowledge that this is a war against innocent children. He urged them to stop being paralyzed and fulfill their duty. These children are just like your own, children of God and light. They are the angels on this Earth and it is time to put an end to the darkness and death.

The speaker stated that the United Nations General Assembly, which represents countries from around the globe, approved a resolution that was based on principles of humanity, morality, and legality, and denounced the use of double standards. He also urged for a prompt, lasting, and consistent humanitarian ceasefire.

According to him, humanitarians have taken action, but there is one crucial group that has not yet taken action: “it is you”.

He stressed that the Council should act promptly to establish a truce, as the Assembly has done, and use its knowledge and duties to stop the violence. He also warned that many more lives are at stake.

According to the speaker, the latest draft resolution from the Council was widely supported, receiving 11 votes in favor, three abstentions, and one vote against. He emphasized that this text should be the foundation for the Council’s definitive stance during this crucial time.

“He pleaded for us to follow in the footsteps of the larger entity,” he referenced the General Assembly’s Friday vote, which called for a ceasefire but is not legally binding.

He stated that those living in Gaza are constantly at risk of death, both day and night. He pleaded for them to be saved and to be seen as fellow human beings.

He stated that aid workers from organizations and medical facilities should have the freedom to carry out their duties without fear of being killed in bombings.

Demonstrate reverence for our innate worth, not just through words but through actions…No one should rationalize our murder or make excuses to prolong the perpetrator’s actions. Advocate for an end to this attack on an entire country.

He urged for a halt to the violence in the West Bank caused by both settlers and occupation forces, as well as the ongoing forced displacement.

“The statement has been reiterated multiple times that there is no military resolution to this conflict,” he stated. “We have yet to prove that a peaceful solution exists.”

He appealed to ambassadors to take action towards achieving a two-State solution and putting an end to the occupation.

Each moment is crucial. For Palestinians in Gaza, each minute can mean the difference between life and death.

5:35 PM

Humanitarian breaks in Russia are inadequate.

The Russian Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed that it is necessary to identify the current situation with precise terms – a disaster of epic proportions is occurring, and the number of casualties is increasing every hour.

He stated that the extent of damages suffered by UN agencies is alarming. The biggest hospital in Gaza is under threat, while nine others are inoperable and civilian casualties are increasing. Gaza has been isolated from the global community.

He noted that there have been recent ground operations that have caused despair to grow in Gaza and hindered efforts, resulting in only 94 aid trucks being able to enter the enclave.

He stated that although there was a clear and widespread response globally, West Jerusalem has started taking action to carry out their plan of removing the enclave.

He stated that the Council has been unable to act due to the stance of the US. The conflict, which is happening on a historically large scale, is occurring while Syria, a neighboring country, is being targeted by US strikes. These actions are deemed unlawful by Washington and could potentially lead to increased violence in the surrounding area.

He stated that no humanitarian breaks will be effective. Providing aid during intense fighting on the ground is impossible, and he hopes everyone recognizes this.

He stated that the main focus should be on ending the violence and finding a diplomatic solution to achieve the UN-approved two-State plan. He questioned why some Council members were not in favor of a ceasefire.

He stated that, in light of the present circumstances, the Council should make a commitment to providing regular updates on the issue.

4:58 PM

“We must take every possible action to preserve lives.”

The US Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the safety of all humanitarian workers and civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian. The ongoing barrage of rockets in Israel, the continued captivity of hostages, and the suffering of Gaza’s citizens are all deeply concerning.

She stated that it is crucial to uphold international humanitarian law while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself. She also voiced her worries regarding the rise in assaults against Palestinians in the West Bank.

“We must all take action as the United States has, as lives are at stake,” she stated, acknowledging the US’s aid efforts towards the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. The US remains dedicated to collaborating with Israel, Egypt, the UN, and other allies to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza.

She stressed the importance of taking action to preserve lives and called on Member States to collaborate in preventing any spread of the crisis. She emphasized that this is a global issue that affects peace and security, and the Council must take a stance on it.

Looking back at the Council decisions that were rejected since October 7th, she noted that the latest resolution from the General Assembly did not include two critical terms: Hamas and hostages. She expressed her concern over the Assembly’s failure to condemn Hamas’ actions.

Despite the challenges, it is crucial that we maintain hope for a future where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully as two democratic nations,” she stated. “Hamas may not share this vision, but it is one that we must strive towards together.”

4:50 PM

The lack of action by the Council is giving China the signal to continue escalating.

The UN General Assembly received strong support for a humanitarian break last Friday, according to Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun. However, Israel has ignored these pleas and launched a ground attack on the area.

For the past 16 years, Gaza has been subjected to a blockade, causing severe hardship for the 2.3 million inhabitants who now live in constant fear. If this issue is not addressed, it will only worsen and lead to a devastating outcome.

He emphasized that the peace process in the Middle East is currently in danger of falling apart. He called for an end to all fighting, implementation of a humanitarian ceasefire, and measures to prevent further escalation.

He urged Israel to end the blockade, cancel the evacuation mandate, and resume providing essential resources.

The ambassador urged for increased diplomatic actions to obtain the release of hostages and resume progress towards a political resolution.

He urged both parties to let go of their unwavering belief in violence and work towards breaking the cycle of aggression.

He cautioned that the violence was uncontrollable and could result in a military disaster that would impact the entire area.

Speaking to his colleagues on the Council, he expressed that the people of Gaza do not require empty promises, but rather tangible steps towards achieving peace, reinstating law and order, and protecting innocent civilians.

He stated that choosing to do nothing is equivalent to giving permission for the violence to persist, and cautioned that the Council’s decision will be remembered in history.

4:40 PM

Call for action that is clear and not open to interpretation from the United Arab Emirates.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, referenced a resolution passed by the General Assembly on Friday. This resolution, backed by 121 countries, called for an immediate, lasting, and consistent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

She stated that they advocated for the humanitarian duty, human rights, international law, and the undeniable fact that Palestinian lives are valuable, equal, and deserving of complete legal protection.

Ms. Nusseibeh stated that the members of the Security Council have consistently expressed their worries regarding the deterioration of the global structure.

She emphasized the importance of upholding the General Assembly’s ethical duty in all situations, including this one. She pointed out that if we acknowledge the Assembly’s authority in other cases, we must also abide by it in this instance. She lamented that the Council’s disregard for the majority’s desires could potentially lead to its downfall.

She restated the importance of an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for safe, consistent, and extensive humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza. She also stressed the urgency of restoring access to electricity, clean water, and fuel.

Nusseibeh, the ambassador, mentioned that the occupied West Bank has also experienced violence while our attention has been focused on Gaza.

According to her, Israeli settlers are increasing their assaults on Palestinian civilians and forcibly displacing them. The State of Israel must take action to prevent these attacks. She also mentioned that there have been multiple reliable warnings of a larger escalation in the region.

She urged members of the Security Council to take the warnings seriously, stating that the drums of war were sounding.

“We are not supporting Israel’s security by allowing the war to continue. It is not possible to undo the horrific attacks on October 7th by accepting this conflict, which is causing innocent civilians to suffer. Turning a blind eye to the potential consequences of this ongoing violence will have severe ramifications, not just for Israelis and Palestinians, but for the chances of achieving peace and stability in our region.”

4:10 PM

The senior official at OCHA expressed feelings of devastation and heartbreak.

Lisa Doughten, the Director of Resource Mobilization for the UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), expressed that the events following 7 October have been incredibly devastating and heartbreaking.

“We remember the 1,400 individuals who lost their lives and the thousands more who were injured and taken during the violent Hamas attack. The indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into populated areas of Israel persists, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement, and trauma,” she stated.

She stated that all hostages must be freed immediately and without any conditions.

According to Ms. Doughten, the condition of over two million individuals confined in the Gaza Strip is extremely dire.

“They have been under a siege and constant bombardment for 23 days. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 8,000 individuals have lost their lives […] with tens of thousands others sustaining injuries,” she stated.

There is no secure location for patients.

She expressed great worry over reports that Hamas had positioned military facilities near hospitals, and also acknowledged the Israeli government’s request for hospitals to be cleared.

She stated that there is no safe place for patients to relocate, and for those using life support or newborns in incubators, moving would likely result in death.

Ms. Doughten stressed the importance of a temporary ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.

This will create a break for aid workers and those requiring assistance, and also allow for the safe release of hostages. It will give UN employees an opportunity to restock resources, provide relief for tired staff, and continue helping civilians in Gaza who require aid.

She stated that it would offer a necessary break to civilians enduring unimaginably traumatic circumstances.

4:01 PM

says ”

UNICEF’s leader states that experiencing trauma can have long-lasting effects.

In addition, during her report to the Council, Catherine Russell, the leader of UNICEF, stated that the current increase in violence will ultimately result in the loss of many children’s lives.

She stated that over 420 children in Gaza are either being killed or injured every day. This number should deeply affect us all.

According to the WHO in Gaza, there have been a total of 34 attacks on healthcare facilities, with 21 hospitals and 12 of Gaza’s 35 hospitals now unable to operate.

Over 221 schools and over 177,000 housing units have been harmed or demolished and there is a shortage of clean water, with 55% of necessary infrastructure needing to be fixed or restored.

“Furthermore, children in both Israel and the State of Palestine are enduring immense trauma, which could have long-lasting effects,” she stated. “While we are striving to assist all children in need, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza has become increasingly difficult.”

The most alarming issue is the current state of the siege and the “extremely hazardous situation” in which the staff are working, according to her statement.

.

The situation is deteriorating rapidly and without prompt resolution of the conflict, I am greatly concerned for the wellbeing of the children in the region.

She expressed concern for the well-being of the region’s children, stating that the situation is deteriorating rapidly and without a prompt resolution to the conflict.

Council resolution essential

“We have the ability to join forces and aid in breaking the cycle of violence for children,” she stated. “I urge the Security Council to promptly approve a resolution that serves as a reminder to all parties of their responsibilities under international law. This resolution should also call for a ceasefire, demand unhindered and safe access for humanitarian aid, demand the immediate and secure release of all children who have been abducted or detained, and encourage parties to provide the necessary protection that children deserve.”

The current displacement crisis in Gaza, affecting over 1.4 million people, many of whom are children, should be the top priority for the Security Council.

We need to ensure that we can provide humanitarian aid at all entry points to Gaza.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid can enter the Gaza Strip through all entry points via secure and effective transportation methods. She also urged Israel to undo their actions of limiting the flow of electricity, food, water, and fuel into the enclave from their borders.

She stated, “We urge the world to improve on behalf of all the children trapped in this horrific situation. Children are not responsible for starting conflicts and are unable to end them. It is crucial for us to prioritize their safety and well-being and envision a future where all children are well and educated. No child should be denied this.”

3:45 PM

The head of UNRWA warns that there is no secure location.

Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the UN agency responsible for providing aid to Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), was the first to address the audience.

He stated that the majority of individuals in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the surrounding area are grieving.

He stated that the extent of devastation in Gaza is unparalleled and the unfolding human catastrophe is unbearable to witness.

Although Israeli authorities instructed half of Gaza’s population to relocate to the south, many Gazans have still lost their lives while seeking refuge.

The chief of UNRWA stated that they have repeated multiple times and will continue to emphasize that Gaza is not a secure location.

More than 670,000 people have been forced to relocate and are currently residing in cramped conditions in UNRWA schools and basements.

Mr. Lazzarini went on to note that nearly 70 per cent of those reported killed are children and women: nearly 3,200 children have been killed in Gaza in three weeks, surpassing the number of children killed annually across the world’s conflict zones since 2019.

He emphasized that this cannot be considered as “collateral damage”, and went on to say that Israel is engaging in “collective punishment”.

He described a critical humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where supplies of medicine, food, water, and fuel are dwindling. He also noted that fear has driven thousands of people to seek help at UNRWA aid warehouses and distribution centers.

He emphasized that if civil order continues to deteriorate, the largest UN agency in Gaza will face significant challenges in maintaining operations and providing aid. It will also be impossible to bring in any convoys.

in Gaza

The employees of UNRWA are the only ray of hope for the people of Gaza.

Mr. Lazzarini emphasized the significant effect of the crisis on his agency’s employees. Despite the loss of 64 staff members since October 7th, they courageously carry out their humanitarian responsibilities despite facing immense challenges and grieving the loss of loved ones.

“My UNRWA colleagues are the only glimmer of hope for the entire Gaza Strip, a ray of light as humanity sinks into its darkest hour,” he said.

The leader of UNRWA stressed that the limited number of convoys permitted to cross through the Rafah crossing is insufficient in meeting the needs of the more than two million individuals who are confined in the territory.

The current system for delivering aid to Gaza is set up to fail unless there is a strong political determination to ensure that the supplies can effectively meet the urgent humanitarian needs, the speaker emphasized.

.
A new crisis is developing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Additionally, during his briefing, he restated that although the main concern is Gaza, “another emergency is developing in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”

According to him, the number of Palestinian deaths this year is the greatest since the UN began documenting data in 2005. He mentioned that at least 115 Palestinians, including 33 children, have been killed since October 7.

He mentioned that the current limitations on movement in the West Bank are affecting our services, such as schools and health facilities. Additionally, he stated that the situation on the border between Israel and Lebanon is deteriorating, as there are frequent exchanges of gunfire and reports of civilian casualties.

3:43 PM

Invitations have been extended to involve Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.

3:41 PM

The United Arab Emirates and China have initiated an emergency Security Council meeting to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The meeting has commenced.

3:00 PM

The afternoon session of the Security Council has commenced, with the first topic of discussion being the situation in Western Sahara. Later, the Council will convene to discuss the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

China and the United Arab Emirates, the only Arab country on the 15-member Council, allegedly requested an urgent meeting following Israel’s escalation of operations in Gaza during the weekend.

The leader of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, and a high-ranking official from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Lisa Doughten (representing relief chief Martin Griffiths), will provide updates to ambassadors. The head of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Catherine Russell, will also be present.

Amidst the crumbling state of the ravaged enclave, there are signs of civil unrest as thousands of desperate individuals raided UN-operated aid warehouses over the weekend, taking essential items such as wheat flour, hygiene supplies, and other basic necessities for survival.

According to aid workers, hospitals in the northern part of Gaza are barely surviving due to constant orders from Israeli forces to evacuate. Despite the danger, both medical personnel and civilians seeking refuge have refused to leave, fearing that patients relying on life support and intensive care would not survive if evacuated.

On Friday, there was a strong majority vote in the UN General Assembly to approve a resolution addressing the crisis. The resolution urges for an urgent, long-lasting humanitarian ceasefire that will result in an end to fighting.

Since the crisis began with the Hamas terror attacks on October 7th and the Israeli forces’ retaliatory bombing of Gaza, two Russian resolutions have been rejected due to either a veto or lack of sufficient support.

The United States also vetoed a resolution proposed by Brazil.

Understanding the Role of the Security Council in Times of Crisis

To refresh your memory on the operations of the Security Council during a time of crisis and how it navigates through finding solutions or becoming stalemated, please refer to our explanatory article here.

Source: news.un.org