UN approves resolution ‘demanding’ more aid into Gaza

AFP | Jerusalem                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza raged yesterday as the UN Security Council approved a much-delayed resolution to boost aid to the besieged Palestinian territory where civilians are struggling to find food.

The Hamas health ministry said more than 410 people had been killed in Israeli bombardment over 48 hours, including 16 in a strike yesterday on the Gaza City district of Jabalia. Four members of one family, including a girl, died in another strike on a civilian vehicle in Rafah in southern Gaza, the ministry said.

“The Jeep was hit. Five minutes later people gathered and a second attack took place,” witness Hamada Abu Taha said. Yesterday, after much delay and diplomatic wrangling, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution that “demands” all sides in the conflict allow the “safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale”.

The resolution also urged the creation of “conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities” but did not call for an immediate end to fighting. Israel ally the United States, which earlier this month blocked a vote calling for a “ceasefire”, abstained along with Russia, and the watered-down text passed with 13 votes in favour. The UN’s World Food Programme has warned that Gaza is at a “high risk of famine”.