United Nations diplomats prepared to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel’s military announced it is 'expanding ground operations' in the besieged enclave.
United Nations diplomats prepared to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, as Israel’s military announced it is “expanding ground operations” in the besieged enclave.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that a ground operation in Gaza could have a “devastating impact” and urged parties to respect international humanitarian law, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said earlier on Friday. A majority of at least two-thirds of member countries present in the General Assembly Hall would need to vote yes for the resolution to pass. A general assembly vote is politically significant but not binding.
Ambassador Riyad Mansour, head of the Palestinian Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, highlighted the climbing death toll among Palestinian civilians, asking the assembly, “Is this the war some of you are defending?” “The last remaining public services are collapsing, our aid operation is crumbling and for the first time ever, report that people are now hungry.”
A total of 74 trucks have entered the strip since humanitarian aid transfers resumed several days ago, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Thursday. Eight more trucks were expected Friday, the UN said, adding that previously 450 trucks were going in each day. “The verification system for the movement of goods through the Rafah crossing must be adjusted to allow many more trucks to enter Gaza without delay,” Guterres said in a statement Friday.