UNSC Resolution: The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question

Algeria initiated a United Nations Security Council resolution reaffirming the Charter’s principles and past decisions on the Middle East, expressing alarm at “famine” in Gaza and condemning the starvation of civilians. It voiced grave concern over Israel’s military actions, urged compliance with international law, demanded an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages, called for unrestricted humanitarian aid, and requested a Secretary-General report on implementation within 30 days. 14 of the 15 council members voted in favor. However, the United States exercised its veto, blocking its adoption.

The Security Council,

Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming all its resolutions related to the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,

Expressing deep alarm by the IPC report confirming that famine is currently occurring in Gaza Governorate and is projected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates by the end of September, and further alarmed by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the entire Gaza Strip, strongly condemning any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,

Expressing grave concern at Israel’s ongoing expansion of its military operation in Gaza and the deepening of the suffering of civilians as a result, calling for its immediate reversal, and reaffirming its rejection of any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip.

Reaffirming that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians and the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, as well as international human rights law, reaffirming its rejection of forced displacement of the civilian population in violation of international law and recalling that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law,

1. Demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties;

2. Recalls its demand for the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups;

3. Demands that the Government of Israel immediately and unconditionally lifts all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensures its safe and unhindered distribution to the population in need of such assistance, in particular by the UN and humanitarian partners, at scale throughout the Gaza Strip, in line with international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and to also ensure the full restoration of all essential services;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council, within 30 days, regarding the implementation of this resolution;