UN passes watered-down resolution on aid to Gaza with no mention of ceasefire; US, Russia abstain

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday approved a resolution that calls for humanitarian pauses between Israel and Hamas, increased aid to Gaza and the creation of conditions that will allow for a sustainable end to fighting, ending days of closed-door negotiations. The UNSC resolution calls for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.” The United States and Russia abstained from the vote, deciding against using their vetoes as permanent members of the body that would have shot down the resolution.