The Gaza Strip continues to witness a catastrophic escalation of violence, with alarming figures provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry. The death toll has now surged to a heartbreaking 6,546 individuals as of today. This devastating number encompasses 2,704 children, 1,584 women, and 364 elderly individuals, underscoring the severe impact on the civilian population, particularly the most vulnerable.
Humanitarian Toll
Tragically, the conflict has left 17,439 people injured, with 1,600 individuals, including 900 children, trapped under the rubble, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the people of Gaza. Moreover, the loss of 73 medics and the destruction of 25 ambulances during Israeli attacks have compounded the crisis, leading to the collapse of Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. Critical shortages of medical supplies and staff further exacerbate the dire situation.
Two more resolutions to halt Israel-Gaza war fail at UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council conducted its inaugural open discussion on the Israel-Gaza conflict, during which the majority of member states urged an immediate ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinians who are facing relentless Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
This 15-member council, where veto power is held by the five permanent members, including the United States and Russia, has, until now, been unable to reach an agreement on a resolution to halt the ongoing violence.
Last week, the United States, a strong ally of Israel, used its veto power to block a resolution supported by 12 other council members, as it felt that the resolution did not sufficiently emphasize Israel’s right to self-defense.
Similarly, a previous resolution put forward by Russia also faced rejection.The speakers’ list for Tuesday’s debate included representatives from nearly 90 countries, among them approximately 30 foreign ministers and deputy ministers. Many of them reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and an end to attacks on Palestinian civilians, particularly in light of the extensive destruction in Gaza and the rising death toll.
“We followed with regret the inability of this council twice to adopt a resolution or even to call for a ceasefire to end this war,” said Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, speaking on behalf of the 22-member Arab Group at the UN, accused Israel of “razing Gaza to the ground” and lamented the Security Council’s failure to call an immediate ceasefire.
In this critical time, it is imperative to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who are enduring immense suffering. Calls for a ceasefire are not just humanitarian but a plea for peace and an end to the relentless violence.
