UN Security Council Passes Resolution Urging Ceasefire in Red Sea Attacks

In a recent session, the United Nations Security Council endorsed a resolution put forth by the United States and Japan, demanding an immediate halt to the assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. Despite opposition from Russia, which sought to dilute the resolution with proposed amendments, the council overwhelmingly voted in favor, with 11 supporting, none opposing, and four abstentions from Russia, China, and Algeria.

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23:38 GMT

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has released its latest update on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The report highlights the challenges faced in delivering aid to Gaza, citing delays at Israeli checkpoints and impassable routes, limiting the ability to respond effectively to urgent needs.

01:57 GMT

Reacting to the deaths of four Palestine Red Crescent's ambulance crew members allegedly targeted by Israel in Deir al-Balah, the UN's Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, emphasizes the importance of upholding the rules of war, urging parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

01:10 GMT

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee, responds to the UN resolution on Red Sea navigation, defending Yemeni armed forces' actions as legitimate defense. He labels the resolution a "political game" and calls for the release of 2.3 million people from the Israeli-American siege in Gaza.

00:54 GMT

The Israeli military claims to have found evidence of hostages in an underground tunnel in Gaza, showcasing the site to journalists. The tunnel reportedly contained DNA evidence suggesting hostages were present, but details about their status or identity remain undisclosed.

00:27 GMT

Further analysis of the UN Security Council vote reveals the resolution's key provision supporting UN member states' right, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels. This provision implicitly endorses Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led naval taskforce safeguarding ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

00:06 GMT

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken presses Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for government reforms during their meeting in Ramallah. Blinken expresses US support for tangible steps toward a Palestinian state and urges Abbas to engage in efforts to take responsibility for Gaza.

23:45 GMT

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam dismisses the UN Security Council resolution as a "political game" and accuses the US of violating international law.

23:34 GMT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarifies Israel's intentions in Gaza, emphasizing the absence of plans for permanent occupation or displacement of civilians. Netanyahu asserts that Israel is targeting Hamas terrorists in compliance with international law.

23:08 GMT

Summary of the day includes Secretary Blinken condemning Red Sea attacks, the UN Security Council approving the resolution against Houthi rebels, and Netanyahu's statements on Israel's intentions in Gaza. The day also witnessed ongoing diplomatic efforts and discussions on humanitarian aid, civilian harm, and the path towards a Palestinian state.