The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting between Israel and Hamas to allow aid access.
The 15-member council overcame a standoff, which saw four unsuccessful attempts to take action last month, to adopt a resolution that also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The US, Russia and Britain, who are council veto-powers, abstained from Wednesday’s vote on the resolution drafted by Malta, Reuters reported.
The remaining 12 members voted in favour. The council stalemate has largely been centered on whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire.
A pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire, which has to be agreed by the warring parties. The US has backed pauses, while Russia has pushed for a ceasefire.
sa/mud
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