United Nations: Resolution 2712 (2023) adopted by the Security Council at its 9479th meeting, on 15 November 2023

The Security Council has recently adopted the Resolution 2712, which highlights the deep concern of the Security Council regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and its serious impact on the civilian population. 

The document, which was approved by 12 of the members but nevertheless saw the abstention of Russia, the UK and the USA, requests that all the parties to the conflict respect their commitments under international law, including international humanitarian law, referring particularly to the safeguard of civilians, most specifically children, and international human rights law. 

Members of the Security Council call for the extension of the humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a reasonable number of days, in order to allow the most efficient and safest access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, which would mean improving the provision of essential goods and services for the civilians, namely: water, fuel, electricity, food, and medical supplies. Children are especially emphasized in the resolution as the group that is most vulnerable to a series of human rights violations. 

The resolution asks for the prompt and complete release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups; the members equally sustain that civilians should not be deprived of essential basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the severe consequences such an act has on children.

Coordination, humanitarian notification, and deconfliction mechanisms are emphasized, with the goal of protecting all medical and humanitarian staff, who are essential for the treatment and movement of sick and injured patients. 

Lastly, the Members request the Secretary-General to report orally to the Security Council on the implementation of the resolution at the next mandated meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East.

The resolution can be consulted below.