UN Security Council Pressured to Act on Gaza Ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council is facing mounting pressure to take action if a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza cannot be brokered soon. With patience running thin, the Council, under Slovenia's leadership for September, considers alternative measures. U.N. officials stress the urgency of protecting children amid ongoing conflict.

The United Nations Security Council is experiencing mounting pressure to take definitive action if a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza isn't achieved promptly. Slovenia's U.N. envoy and current Council president, Samuel Zbogar, indicated that the Council might need to consider alternative measures, emphasizing a sense of impatience.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres questioned how warring factions could agree to pauses for vaccinating children, yet fail to secure a full ceasefire. This sentiment was echoed by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, who highlighted the contradiction in prioritizing health efforts over halting conflict.

The Security Council, having adopted a resolution in June supporting a U.S.-devised three-phase ceasefire plan, has not seen effective mediation efforts. U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari-led negotiations have yet to yield results, prompting further international discourse and political friction.

(With inputs from agencies.)