NEW DELHI: Israel continues its attack in Gaza as United States vetoes a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. Efforts to mediate and find a solution to the escalating crisis have been unsuccessful so far.
The situation in Gaza gets worse as UN’s food agency had to stop deliveries to the northern part of the territory due to violence and chaos.
Hamas said that this would result in a death sentence for the people of Gaza.
Gaza has been facing a severe food crisis since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The UN has repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian situation, warning that food shortages could lead to preventable child deaths.
The fighting has caused extensive destruction and displacement, with 2.2 million people on the brink of famine and three-quarters of the population displaced.
“We can’t take it anymore. We do not have flour, we don’t even know where to go in this cold weather. We demand a ceasefire. We want to live,” said Ahmad, a resident of Gaza city.
However, the UN Security Council resolution drafted by Algeria, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages, was vetoed by the United States. Washington’s ambassador to the UN justified the veto by stating that it could jeopardize negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza. This decision drew criticism from several countries, including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, and Slovenia.
Despite international pressure, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, resulting in more casualties. The city of Rafah, which is also the main entry point for relief supplies, has faced heavy fire and is at risk of a ground invasion by Israeli troops. Global leaders have expressed concern over the consequences of a ground offensive, warning of the devastating impact on civilians.
Efforts for negotiation and mediation have not succeeded in achieving a long-term truce. Qatar, along with France, facilitated a deal to deliver medicines to Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. However, a comprehensive truce has remained elusive, and Israel maintains that a ground operation in Rafah is necessary to combat Hamas.
