Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Binding But Bare Minimum: UN Rapporteur Albanese

UN Security Council Resolution for Ceasefire in Gaza: Implementation Urgently Needed

It has been over 10 days since the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. However, there have been no visible steps taken to implement this crucial resolution, raising concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, emphasized the binding nature of Security Council resolutions, stating that they must be acted upon promptly. Despite the resolution’s passage, there has been no ceasefire declared, indicating a lack of progress in addressing the ongoing conflict.

The resolution, passed on 25th March, was only possible because the United States abstained from exercising its veto power, marking it as the minimum acceptable action. Albanese stressed the importance of opening all crossings to allow aid to flow into Gaza, highlighting Israel’s responsibility as the Occupying power to ensure access for humanitarian assistance.

Expressing concern over Israel’s plan for a ground attack on Rafah in southern Gaza, Albanese warned of the catastrophic consequences such an action would have on the already distressed population. With over 1.5 million people in Rafah facing dire conditions, any military operation would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and potentially lead to mass forced displacement.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with thousands of Palestinians killed and injured, and millions displaced due to Israel’s military actions and the crippling blockade on aid and essentials. Even if a ceasefire is implemented, reversing the humanitarian crisis remains a daunting challenge, as Palestinians are reduced to mere survival without access to basic necessities.

Albanese emphasized the need for a full ceasefire and an end to hostilities, followed by discussions on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including Israel’s military Occupation. She recently released a report detailing Israel’s actions against Palestinians, suggesting that they constitute genocide in Gaza.

The report found that Israel’s actions meet the threshold indicating the commission of genocide, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and accountability. Unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed, the cycle of violence and suffering will persist, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, it is imperative that the international community takes immediate action to ensure the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution and work towards a lasting ceasefire and resolution of the conflict.