2:20 PM

Despite several attempts to develop a unified reaction following the initial terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza, the Security Council has convened to receive updates from World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Palestine Red Crescent Society Director General Marwan Jilani regarding the current state of affairs on the ground.

© UNFPA/Bisan Ouda

After being trapped in debris, a woman underwent an emergency cesarean section and is now recovering at Al Hilo Hospital in Gaza City.

The United Arab Emirates requested the gathering due to the worsening health emergency and ongoing assaults on medical facilities.

This marks the seventh meeting of the Council to address the ongoing crisis, which began on October 7th.

“We continue to hope and desire for a united message from the Security Council in order to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Unfortunately, this has not yet occurred,” stated Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a press briefing at UN Headquarters on Friday.

This week, the Council convened in a closed meeting to address the issue. Simultaneously, the General Assembly has resumed its tenth emergency special session on the crisis.

These are the key points discussed at the most recent public session of the Security Council on October 30 regarding the worsening conditions.

• The United Arab Emirates and China requested an urgent meeting following Israel’s increase in ground operations in Gaza.

• The dire humanitarian situation in the devastated area was discussed by Philippe Lazzarini, who is the leader of UNRWA. He emphasized that the safety of women and children cannot be sacrificed as a result of the conflict.

• Catherine Russell, the head of UNICEF, described the devastating effects on children from both sides who are enduring immense suffering. These repercussions could have long-lasting effects on their lives.

• Senior humanitarian official from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Lisa Doughten, emphasized the importance of a temporary halt in the hostilities to offer relief to civilians who are enduring unbelievably difficult circumstances.

• The members of the Security Council brought to mind the resolution of the General Assembly regarding the crisis, reaffirming the importance of upholding international humanitarian law. The resolution was adopted on October 27 during the emergency special session that was reconvened.

Check out our explanations of the Security Council’s operations during a crisis, including their negotiation of resolutions and potential deadlocks. You can also learn about the importance of a UN General Assembly emergency special session. For more explanations, visit our page.

Source: news.un.org