The United Nations Security Council has approved a modified proposal to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, after the United States abstained in this decision. The resolution aims to allow safe, unhindered, and expanded access to humanitarian aid and create conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. This decision comes as Israel has expanded its ground offensive in the Palestinian enclave and tensions continue to escalate. The United States, which is a key ally of Israel, has supported its right to defend itself but has also expressed growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and wounded in Israeli strikes.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Security Council, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, initially raised her hand in favour of a resolution for enhanced humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, as seen in the video, she was nudged by a staff member sitting behind her, prompting her to lower… pic.twitter.com/tYFaaKcdRX

— Dr. Zain Abbadi (@ZainAbbadi11) December 22, 2023

The Security Council's resolution calls for urgent measures to address the crisis in Gaza and to facilitate the delivery of vital aid to the region. However, the resolution did not include a call for a ceasefire, as the US and Israel oppose such a move, believing that it would only benefit Hamas. In addition to the humanitarian crisis, reports of ongoing air strikes and fighting in Gaza underscore the urgency of the situation.

Israel's military offensive has caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties, prompting global criticism and calls for action to protect the people of Gaza. As Israel intensifies its military operations and the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, the international community faces mounting pressure to address this humanitarian crisis and work towards ending the hostilities that have plagued the region.