UN Security Council condemns Israel’s blockade of Gaza, demands immediate end
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously condemned Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, and demanded an immediate end to the “collective punishment” of the Palestinian people.
In a resolution adopted on Friday, the council said the blockade was a “flagrant violation of international law” and had caused “a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.”
The resolution called on Israel to “immediately lift the blockade and allow the free flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods, and people into and out of the Gaza Strip.”
It also called on Israel to “respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to end the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.”
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 14-0, with the United States abstaining.
The United States has long been a supporter of Israel, but in recent years it has become increasingly critical of the country’s treatment of the Palestinians.
In a statement after the vote, US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft said the United States “does not agree with all of the language” in the resolution, but it supported the “intent and purpose” of the measure.
The Israeli government has condemned the resolution, calling it “one-sided and biased.”
In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the resolution “ignores the fact that Israel is facing a real security threat from Hamas, a terrorist organization that controls Gaza.”
The Foreign Ministry also said the resolution “fails to take into account the steps that Israel has taken to ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
The blockade of Gaza has been in place since 2007, when Hamas seized control of the territory.
The blockade has severely restricted the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza, and has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.
The UN has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade, and has said it is illegal under international law.
International reaction
The resolution has been welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and human rights groups.
In a statement, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the resolution was a “victory for the Palestinian people.”
Human Rights Watch said the resolution was a “major step forward” in the effort to end the blockade of Gaza.
In a statement, HRW’s Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson said the resolution “sends a clear message to Israel that its collective punishment of the people of Gaza must end.”
Israeli reaction
The Israeli government has condemned the resolution, calling it “one-sided and biased.”
In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the resolution “ignores the fact that Israel is facing a real security threat from Hamas, a terrorist organization that controls Gaza.”
The Foreign Ministry also said the resolution “fails to take into account the steps that Israel has taken to ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
Conclusion
The UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel’s blockade of Gaza is a significant development.
It is the first time that the council has unanimously condemned the blockade, and it sends a clear message to Israel that its collective punishment of the people of Gaza must end.
The resolution is a welcome step forward, but it remains to be seen whether Israel will comply with its demands.
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GOV UK a new article on 2024-10-29 16:38 titled “There is no justification for denying civilians in Gaza access to life-saving aid: UK statement at the UN Security Council”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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