During a meeting with high-ranking diplomats, the leader of the United Nations stressed the importance of not ignoring the plight of civilians in Gaza. He urged for a genuine humanitarian pause in conflict and a resolution that results in a lasting two-State solution.

The gathering in New York has concluded, but the urgent negotiations persist in attempts to bring an end to the destruction in Gaza resulting from Israel’s attack on Hamas. The goals include freeing the remaining hostages held by Palestinian militants and ensuring a stable future for both Israel and Palestine. Here are the key points from the Wednesday meeting:

HIGHLIGHTS

• “The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the urgent need for a genuine humanitarian ceasefire in light of the dire situation in Gaza, stressing the importance of freeing all hostages.”

• On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, delivered a timely message: A new and innovative approach is needed in order to avoid falling back into the cycle of attempting to manage a conflict that has proven to be unmanageable.

• The council members, which includes numerous ministers, strongly denounced the developing humanitarian emergency and praised the current cessation of hostilities. Some urged for the complete execution of resolution 2712 regarding the crisis.

• “The loss of more lives is not something we can tolerate,” stated the ambassador of Malta, who was responsible for drafting resolution 2712. This resolution was approved in mid-November after multiple unsuccessful efforts.

• Other individuals who are not part of the Council also expressed similar sentiments, including the Prime Minister of Qatar who stated that action must be taken in order to achieve peace. According to him, without a Palestinian State, the region will not be able to experience true peace and security.

• The Israeli ambassador stated that the Council has failed to acknowledge Hamas’s significant involvement in the destruction of the region.

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the observer State of Palestine stated, “We are at a crucial turning point in history.”

• Check out our article discussing international humanitarian law and other informative pieces here.

• To access recaps of this and other UN gatherings, please check out our partners at UN Meetings Coverage in both English and French.

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1:15 PM

The assistance opportunity in Indonesia is deemed to be limited and delicate.

Minister Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi of Indonesia expressed her appreciation for the approval of Council resolution 2712, as well as the implementation of humanitarian breaks and the freeing of captives.

She expressed that from the brief moment of tranquility, we were able to witness a glimmer of hope – families coming back together and assistance reaching those who are in dire need. However, she also mentioned that this is not enough.

She warned that the humanitarian ceasefire is insufficient and delicate, and will not be effective in improving the situation in Gaza.

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Every day spent without conflict is a day worth fighting to preserve.

She urged the Security Council to take action in order to maintain trust in the multilateral system, emphasizing the importance of preventing a resurgence of hostility.

She stated, “A day where there is no fighting is a day that we should fight for.” She also emphasized the need for the conflicting groups to progress from a temporary break in hostilities to a long-lasting peace agreement.

Stressing the significance of the two-State solution, she expressed that now is the appropriate moment to resume the peace talks.

“As we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this year, let us not ignore or stay quiet about the plight of the innocent individuals in Gaza who are unfairly penalized simply for being Palestinian.”

12:58 PM

Put an end to the blatant injustice of Israeli occupation: Jordan

Ayman Safadi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan, emphasized that putting an end to the Israeli control of Palestine is a feasible solution for bringing peace to Palestinians, Israelis, and all individuals in the surrounding area.

According to him, those who claim that this is a religious struggle are not telling the truth. They are attempting to distort the truth of what happened in the past and what is happening now. He emphasized that this conflict persists due to an unjust occupation and blatant injustice.

He implored the Security Council to strongly demand a ceasefire and to stop the aggression.

“We call on the international community to put an end to the occupation and the conflict,” he stated. “You all endorse the idea of a two-State solution, which would inherently resolve the occupation.”

He urged the Security Council to pass a resolution acknowledging the independence of Palestine and designating Jerusalem as its capital, along the borders from before 1967. This is the only way to achieve the peace we all desire.

12:48 PM

Turkey: Swimming in risky territory

The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, cautioned against the inaction of the Security Council in addressing the long-standing injustice faced by the Palestinians.

“We are all navigating uncharted waters.”

He expressed concern that without global regulations, values, and ethics, we are all vulnerable to radicalization from all sides due to unjust actions going unpunished.

Millions of people around the world are coming together to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. The frustration and revolt sparked by the atrocities committed by Israel might lead to social upheaval in many countries, he cautioned, adding that the extension of the humanitarian pause in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and prisoners are, in his eyes, glimmers of hope.

He stated that he was carefully monitoring the various possibilities for the future.

According to him, we must turn this negative situation into opportunities for addressing the conflict. If not, the symptoms could result in a worse outcome in the future.

12:40 PM

Egyptian officials have announced that they will no longer make empty statements.

Sameh Hassan Shoukry Selim, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, stated that from the beginning, his team has been advocating for the freedom of Israeli captives.

He inquired about the opinion of the international community and the Security Council regarding the situation of Palestinian prisoners who are being held as “hostages” by the occupying country.

He stated that Egypt has put forth a draft resolution on humanitarian aid that is free from political bias. He urged the Council to back the resolution in order to bring an end to this disastrous situation.

He stated that we need to let go of inconsistent principles and put empathetic language into practice.

Moving forward, the only option is to effectively and thoroughly tackle the underlying issues of the conflict in order to put an end to the occupation.

He stated that we need to set aside meaningless statements and collaborate on achieving a two-State solution. He stressed the importance of countries acknowledging the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

12:30 PM

“Qatar should take concrete actions to solidify peace.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, expressed that the Palestinians have endured immense suffering in recent weeks.

Doha has initiated direct communication with involved parties in order to stop the violence and facilitate the safe return of hostages. The speaker highlighted previous talks in which Qatar played a major role, resulting in a temporary ceasefire, the liberation of hostages and Palestinian detainees, and increased access for aid to Gaza.

The Prime Minister, Al-Thani, expressed anticipation for additional measures from the Security Council, such as implementing a system to supervise the dispersal of aid. He emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law without any bias.

“It is imperative that we take concrete steps towards achieving peace,” he stated. “Any attempt to evade direct action will only result in an increase of violence. We strongly advocate for peace. The region cannot experience true peace and security without the creation of a Palestinian State.”

What is the true definition of humanitarian law?

Several high-ranking diplomats emphasized the significance of international humanitarian law during the Council Chamber meeting on Wednesday morning. Last month, UN News created an informative piece explaining the purpose of this law and its role in regulating conflicts.

12:15 PM

Russia accuses the West of displaying “overtly biased double standards” in regards to the situation in Gaza.

The Russian Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, declared that the Middle East has been embroiled in a conflict of immense proportions for more than two months.

He stated that it is not an overstatement to claim that it has evolved into one of the deadliest conflicts in the region in recent years. He also acknowledged the severe consequences on civilians, particularly children.

He also emphasized the contributions of all aid workers on site, putting their lives at risk to provide crucial assistance, and honored those who have lost their lives in the process.

Mr. Nebenzia criticized the Western delegations’ “clear double standards” towards the Palestinian people.

He stated that Western delegations have asked for Security Council gatherings about Ukraine at least twice a month. However, they have not made any requests for meetings on the Middle East.

He inquired, “Is it because you are being timid, or is it because the domestic political perspective in your capitals makes the fate of the Palestinian population less interesting to you?”

He suggested it was time to consider the future.

The speaker stated that there are numerous inquiries regarding the reconstruction of Gaza and the overall long-term resolution to the Palestinian issue. They emphasized that without addressing this matter, it will be difficult to establish a lasting secure environment for Israel. The speaker also noted that Russia is actively involved in pursuing a solution.

12:01 PM

The French council should denounce the attack by Hamas.

The French Ambassador, Nicolas de Rivière, emphasized the need for the truce to become permanent by establishing a lasting ceasefire and ensuring the release of all hostages.

He expressed disapproval of the Hamas assaults on Israel on October 7 and urged the Council to clearly and promptly denounce them.

He praised the efforts to provide aid to Gaza and supported the Council’s request for better access. France has also taken action by treating injured Palestinians on a hospital ship and sending a large amount of aid to Gaza, as he informed the ministers.

He urged Israel to stop aggressive actions by settlers in the Palestinian Occupied Territory, expressing concern that if no action is taken, the conflict could spread to other areas in the region.

He stated that in order to stop the continuous cycles of violence, there needs to be a renewed and trustworthy peace negotiation. Delaying this process would inevitably lead to an increase in violence.

According to him, establishing a Palestinian State is the only feasible solution moving forward.

11:46 AM

Prevent ‘local conflict’: Malta

“We cannot afford to lose any more lives,” stated Vanessa Frazier, the Maltese Ambassador who recently led successful negotiations for a Council resolution.

She stated that we must not resort to more violence and fear. In accordance with this, Malta supports the Secretary-General’s plea for an immediate ceasefire to address humanitarian needs.

She requested that all parties encourage a decrease in tension and show maximum self-control.

She reiterated Malta’s “strong condemnation” of the terror attacks by Hamas and called for the release of all hostages, immediately and unconditionally. But, countless children caught up in the conflict are continuing to live in “increased anguish and deprivation”.

She expressed grave concern over the World Health Organization’s statement that more people could die from disease than bombing in Gaza. She emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent this scenario.

She emphasized the crucial need to prevent a large-scale conflict in the region and stressed the importance of finding a viable basis for lasting peace.

Malta reaffirmed its commitment to a two-State solution along the pre-1967 borders, addressing the legitimate aspirations of both sides, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two nations, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.

In this grave situation, especially on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, she emphasized that it is evident that this is the sole feasible route to achieving peace.

11:30 AM

ian president

It’s time for Ghana’s president to take “unifying action.”

Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, remarked that recent events serve as a reminder of the impact of “elusive peace” in the Middle East over the last 75 years.

“As we consider the future of Gaza, we must not ignore the necessity for complete peace in Palestine. This calls for both parties to fully dedicate themselves to pursuing a challenging and narrow path towards renewed and productive dialogue on a political resolution,” she stated.

In light of the lack of advancement from the international Quartet regarding Middle East peace, she urged the Security Council to contemplate choosing a special rapporteur from its members to consolidate its stance on how to move forward with the two-State solution.

She emphasized the significance of receiving positive feedback from donors in order to continue funding the work of UN aid agencies on the field. Additionally, she highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining peace along the ‘blue line’ border between Lebanon and Israel.

She emphasized the Council’s crucial role in safeguarding civilians, stressing the need for concerted action to reduce conflict and prevent its proliferation.

She reiterated Ghana’s dedication to aid in achieving lasting peace and fostering unified efforts from all parties involved.

11:15 AM

The United Arab Emirates has called for an increase in aid to Gaza in a consistent and ongoing manner.

Khalifa Shaheen, the Minister of State for the United Arab Emirates, described the current ceasefire as “a promising development”. He commended the diplomatic endeavors of Qatar, the US, and Egypt in facilitating this temporary cessation.

He emphasized the significance of the Council’s resolution this month regarding international law and the liberation of prisoners.

Highlighting the importance of the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on advancements made in aid efforts, he emphasized the need for continual and substantial enhancement of aid mechanisms.

According to him, recent occurrences have highlighted the importance of the global community taking action to not just control this issue, but to actually solve it.

He stated that we should strive to rekindle optimism for achieving a fair, enduring, and all-encompassing political resolution to the Palestinian problem.

In order to resume serious negotiations, it is necessary to establish a suitable environment and adhere to agreed upon references in order to achieve a two-State solution. These efforts should begin immediately after a ceasefire is achieved.

It was emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved by putting an end to the Israeli control of all Palestinian and Arab lands and creating a separate Palestinian nation with the 1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as its capital. This would allow for coexistence and mutual recognition with Israel in a secure and peaceful manner.

10:52 AM

“The United States has announced a pause, which is being seen as a glimmer of hope.”

The temporary halt, according to US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has brought a small ray of hope.

She stated that although the work done in this Chamber is crucial, advancements often happen beyond these walls. She also mentioned that since the beginning, the United States has prioritized direct diplomacy in their approach.

She stated that there is a strong need for both humanitarian aid and protection of civilians.

She stated that Hamas still uses individuals as human shields, but this does not diminish Israel’s obligation to safeguard civilians according to international humanitarian law.

She expressed gratitude for the release of several hostages and stated that numerous families are enduring extreme suffering. She also declared that the efforts to free all hostages will continue tirelessly. The US hopes for an extension of the pause and stated that it is now up to Hamas to take action.

“We require a solution that involves two separate states.”

She showed worry that the dispute could spread to other areas, such as Lebanon, along with an increase in attacks by settlers in the West Bank and a rise in derogatory language being used in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic online messages.

According to Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, the only way to end this cycle of violence permanently is by establishing a two-State solution.

“Join forces with me. We must prioritize diplomacy and make every effort to finally fulfill the pledge of peace and the aspiration for a better tomorrow.”

10:45 AM

PM

The loss of any civilian life is considered a tragedy, according to the UK Prime Minister.

According to Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Minister of State at the Foreign Office for the United Kingdom, a tragic situation is unfolding before us as the focus turns to the Middle East.

He stated that Israel has faced the most severe terrorist attack ever, causing a dire and worsening humanitarian situation for Palestinians due to the resulting actions taken by the Israeli military.

He stressed the importance of recognizing that every civilian death is a tragedy.

“All lives, whether Israeli or Palestinian, are valuable. It is a tragedy whenever an innocent civilian life is lost, regardless of their nationality. We also grieve for the loss of innocent lives, including those of UN workers providing crucial aid in Gaza,” he stated.

The speaker mentioned that the previous week of military pause offered a necessary break, and the agreement was a significant chance to give hope to the hostages’ families and allow essential humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

“We cannot treat this as a one-time occurrence; it is essential that we work together to continue making progress,” he emphasized. “We must ensure the release of hostages, delivery of aid, and protection of civilians.”

10:35 AM

The most effective method to preserve lives in China is through communication and discussion.

The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who is currently presiding over the Council in November, stated in his individual capacity that the solution to crisis and conflict lies in the implementation of a two-State approach.

He stated that utilizing dialogue and negotiation is the most effective approach to preserving lives. He also emphasized the importance of the international community coming together to find solutions during this critical period of war and peace.

He stated that if the fighting resumes, it will likely lead to a disastrous situation for the entire region. He also expressed his optimism that the temporary halt in fighting will pave the way for a peaceful negotiation for a ceasefire.

He stated that stronger measures must be taken to safeguard civilians, and the United Nations should have a larger role in providing aid in Gaza. China has declared that it will offer an additional aid package.

The path to peace still lies in the Two-State solution.

He stated that only by implementing the two-State solution can peace be restored. He called for increased diplomatic efforts, such as resuming direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, to achieve this goal.

He stated that the Security Council must fulfill its duty and listen to the requests for prompt additional measures. Furthermore, he mentioned that China has presented a proposal for resolving the conflict.

10:20 AM

The Israeli government has expressed disappointment and shock over the Council’s failure to condemn Hamas.

The Israeli authorities have voiced their dismay and surprise at the Council’s failure to denounce Hamas.

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the Jewish community has faced multiple attempts and acts of genocide, including those perpetrated by Hitler, the Mufti, and their affiliated terrorist groups.

On October 7th, he observed that Hamas committed “a ruthless act of unfounded aggression against Israel”, resulting in the largest number of Jewish deaths in a single day since the Holocaust.

“Despite being two months since the occurrence, Hamas’s heinous actions have not been denounced by the Security Council or any other UN organization,” he stated with disbelief.

A topic or issue that is being ignored or avoided.

Mr. Erdan continued to declare that Hamas was supplied, financed, and instructed by Iran, and emphasized that the destructive impact of their actions in the region has not even been acknowledged.

The speaker pointed out that Hamas is not the only one fighting against Israel. Hezbollah has also launched missiles at towns in northern Israel, and Iran has openly expressed its desire for Israel’s destruction. The speaker questioned whether the Council should ignore Iran’s significant role in destabilizing the security of the Middle East.

He stated that it is evident that the United Nations has been taken over by those who are not truly invested in finding a resolution. He also mentioned that every United Nations organization has been used as a tool against Israel.

10:08 AM

“We find ourselves at a crucial turning point in Palestine’s history.”

According to Riyad Al-Maliki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, a ceasefire is necessary in place of a truce.

He stated that this is not a war, but instead a brutal massacre that cannot be justified. It needs to be put to an end.

According to Mr. Al-Maliki, individuals should have the freedom to return to their residences.

According to the speaker, more than 15,000 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israel. Among them, over 10,000 were women and children. These individuals were not simply victims of circumstance; their lives were forcibly taken. The speaker emphasizes that no one in Gaza is safe, including children, medical professionals, aid workers, reporters, and UN employees. The speaker also notes that the rate of killings in Gaza is unparalleled in contemporary times.

“We require protection on a global scale.”

“We have reached a significant turning point,” he stated.

He stated that the occupying forces, who are accomplices in these atrocities, cannot guarantee the safety of the Palestinians.

The speaker emphasized the need for global protection and intervention in order to stop impunity and prevent the continuous occurrence of these crimes in broad daylight. He stated that the current suffering of our people is a direct result of the international community’s inability to ensure such protection and hold perpetrators accountable.

Gaza is an integral part of Palestine. Despite its struggles and pain, Gaza continues to exist.

The repercussions of these actions extend well beyond the confines of Gaza.

‘Palestine lives’

According to him, Israel is attempting to use fear tactics against those who speak out against it and support the principles of global international law. This includes governments that are considered allies of Israel, the Secretary-General, UN agencies, human rights groups, and humanitarian organizations. Israel’s goal is not to ensure its own security.

He stated that if the situation was different, Israel would choose peace. He also mentioned that the current Israeli government sees the biggest threat to its security as the potential establishment of a Palestinian state.

“The significance of Gaza in our country’s past is undeniable,” he declared. “Its current name is synonymous with Palestine globally and cannot be erased. The people of Gaza cannot be displaced from their home, and its Palestinian identity cannot be changed. Gaza may endure hardships, but it remains resilient, as does Palestine. We must strive for a free Palestine for true peace to be achieved.”

10:02 AM

The warnings from Wennesland were disregarded.

Tor Wennesland, the United Nations’ Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, informed the Security Council that the Palestinian Authority’s financial struggles have worsened greatly due to the ongoing violence and strict Israeli movement limitations.

According to him, the economic progress in the West Bank has come to a standstill while the economy of Gaza has crumbled.

He stated that the decline in income for the Palestinian Authority is having a significant impact on crucial services and the disbursement of salaries for public sector employees, including those in the security forces. He also warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating and reaching a boiling point.

“Prior to the outbreak of war, I consistently cautioned this Council about the urgent need for greater efforts in stabilizing the situation in the West Bank,” stated Mr. Wennesland. “This is even more crucial now than it has ever been.”

He proceeded to mention that although there is still much uncertainty about the outcome of this war, there are some definite truths that are evident.

He stated that we must prevent similar acts of terror, such as the ones committed by Hamas and others against Israel on October 7, from recurring. He also emphasized that the people of Gaza should never have to endure such traumatic events again.

Mr. Wennesland stressed that the most feasible approach is one that results in the end of the occupation and the achievement of a two-State solution, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, past agreements, and international law.

“Our previous attempts have been insufficient, a sentiment that remains relevant as we observe the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People,” he stated. “We must adopt a fresh and unique approach, or else we will be forced to revert back to attempting to handle a conflict that is evidently unmanageable.”

09:50 AM

Guterres: Do not turn a blind eye to the “devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

Welcoming the arrangement reached by Israel and Hamas, with the assistance of the governments of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, Mr. Guterres said the UN was working to maximize the positive potential of the current pause in fighting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The temporary break has allowed us to improve the distribution of assistance in and around Gaza,” he explained. He mentioned that an inter-agency group was able to transport food, water, medical supplies, and other necessary items to the northern area of Gaza on October 7th for the first time. This aid was specifically delivered to four shelters in Jabalia camp, which are managed by the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees (UNWRA).

Aid simply ‘inadequate’

However, he stated that the amount of assistance provided is still insufficient to address the significant needs of over two million individuals.

Simultaneously, he emphasized the need for the release of all hostages.

On November 22nd, an agreement was made that resulted in the release of 60 hostages over a span of five days. The hostages, consisting of 29 women and 31 children, had been held by Hamas and other groups since October 7th. Additionally, 21 more hostages were released during this time. The agreement also included the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli prisons, with a majority being women and children.

“He stated that this is a positive beginning, but as he has consistently stated since the beginning, all hostages must be freed without delay and without conditions.”

The resolution passed by the Security Council urges all involved parties to avoid denying the people of Gaza access to basic necessities and vital humanitarian aid that are necessary for their survival. According to him, simply adhering to international humanitarian laws is not enough; further action must be taken to meet the human needs of those in Gaza.

The achievement will be evaluated by the number of lives saved, relief from suffering, and the restoration of hope and dignity.

This entails fully restoring access to water and electricity and promptly addressing the breakdown of food systems and declining public health.

He stated that the Rafah border crossing is insufficient in capacity, especially due to the sluggish procedures, to fulfill various demands. He called for the opening of additional crossings such as Kerem Shalom and the simplification of inspection processes to facilitate the much-needed increase in life-saving aid.

We require a genuine ceasefire for the sake of humanity.

According to him, relying solely on humanitarian assistance will not be enough. He stated that the involvement of the private sector is necessary to supply essential goods and restock stores that have been completely emptied.

On October 7th, the leader of the United Nations also brought attention to multiple reports of sexual violence occurring during the heinous terrorist actions carried out by Hamas, which sparked the current state of emergency.

He urged for thorough investigations and prosecutions regarding the issue of gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to condemn it at all times and in all places.

He stated that the measure of success would be the number of lives saved, the end of suffering, and the restoration of hope and dignity.

“The citizens of Gaza are currently facing a monumental humanitarian crisis in plain view of the global community,” he stated. “We cannot turn a blind eye.”

He expressed pleasure in the continued and intense discussions to extend the ceasefire.

“We strongly advocate for a genuine ceasefire focused on humanitarian efforts and strive for the establishment of a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions and international law. This will bring hope to the people of the region and promote peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. If we fail, it will result in continuous death and destruction for Palestinians, Israelis, the region, and the world.”

09:43 AM

The main purpose of Secretary-General António Guterres’ presence in the Security Council Chamber is to provide updates on the current critical humanitarian situation, as stated in the resolution passed by the 15-member group in mid-November.

The individual informed ambassadors and ministers that over two-thirds of the fatalities in Gaza have been comprised of children and women.

In a few short weeks, more children have been killed by Israel than in any other year by any other side involved in a conflict since the Secretary-General took office, according to the leader of the UN.

He stated that there has been a glimmer of hope and humanity for hostages, their families, and civilians in Gaza during the ceasefire in recent days.

He stated that prior to the current cessation of hostilities, there were significant breaches of international law observed in Gaza, resulting in 80% of Gazans being displaced from their homes.

Additionally, he stated that Palestinian militants have persisted in launching rocket attacks on Israel and have also been using civilians as human shields.

“The statement made by the UN leader is not in line with the responsibilities outlined in international humanitarian law.”

09:36 AM

The Chinese foreign minister has recently initiated the meeting. Along with the Council members, various foreign ministers from both the region and other countries are also being summoned to speak, including Palestine and Israel.

The sixth and last day of a ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, between Hamas and Israel is observed on Wednesday. Humanitarian groups are pleading for both sides to heed the repeated international appeals to prolong the break in hostilities. As a result of the ceasefire, Hamas has reportedly released 85 hostages and Israel has released over 180 Palestinian prisoners.

China currently holds the presidency until the end of November. The meeting will be held at a ministerial level around a horseshoe-shaped table, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the chairperson. Numerous high-ranking diplomats from various world capitals will be in attendance.

The scheduled time for the meeting is 9:30am, according to the local time zone.

The Secretary-General, António Guterres, is anticipated to provide an update on the progress of implementing the resolution from 15 November. This was the Council’s initial display of solidarity regarding the crisis, following the Hamas terrorist acts and subsequent Israeli military action. He will be joined by Tor Wennesland, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

Here’s are highlights from that mid-November meeting, which you can watch in full here, or catch up with UN Meetings Coverage summaries in English and French:

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 15 NOVEMBER

• to deliver humanitarian aid

  The United Nations Security Council successfully reaches a consensus and passes Resolution 2712 addressing the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict that started on October 7th. The resolution received 12 votes in favor, with no votes against and three abstentions (Russia, United Kingdom, United States). It calls for immediate and prolonged humanitarian breaks and routes in Gaza for a suitable period of time to allow unrestricted and secure delivery of aid by UN agencies and their partners.

• According to the resolution, the Council urges for the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages being held by Hamas and other organizations, with a special emphasis on children. The resolution also stresses the need for immediate humanitarian access.

• The Council urges all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and prevent the withholding of essential services and aid necessary for the survival of the civilian population in Gaza.

• The resolution does not denounce the Hamas attacks on October 7th, which initiated the ongoing violence and struggle for authority in Gaza.

• The Council declined the suggested change from Russia with a majority of five votes in support, one vote against, and nine abstentions.

• “The vote we cast today has a direct impact on the lives of real people,” stated the Maltese ambassador, who was responsible for drafting the recently passed resolution.

• The UK and US ambassadors expressed their disappointment that the proposed resolution did not denounce Hamas and instead advocated for safeguarding civilians and swift aid distribution.

• The Russian ambassador emphasized the importance of a genuine ceasefire and stated that the Council must decide on next actions, such as sending observers to the conflict zone and determining the involvement of a UN contingent.

• The Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN stated that the insanity must be stopped and it is now the moment for harmony.

• The Israeli Ambassador stated that the current crisis could be resolved quickly if all Israeli hostages are safely returned and if Hamas disarmed and surrendered.

Source: news.un.org