The aftermath of an Israeli strike near a camp for displaced people in Rafah has left at least 45 Palestinians dead, including children, sparking outrage and calls for immediate action at the United Nations Security Council.
Diplomats at the Security Council are pushing for a new resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire and a halt to Israel’s military operations in Rafah. However, the United States, with its veto power, has signaled it will not support the resolution in its current form.
Algeria, the only Arab representative on the Council, drafted the resolution calling for Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah and for all parties to respect an immediate cease-fire. The resolution also demands the release of all hostages.
The Security Council held meetings on the war in Gaza, with Algeria’s resolution expected to go to a vote in the coming days. The United States, while critical of Israel’s conduct, does not want to endorse a resolution that calls for a complete halt to military operations in Rafah, where Hamas is still active.
The civilian toll in Gaza has been mounting, with thousands killed in the Israeli bombardment and ground operations. The recent strike in Rafah resulted in at least 45 deaths, including a toddler whose burned and headless body was shown in a verified video.
Despite the horror over the strike, the Biden administration has not considered it a major ground operation that would trigger a withholding of weapons shipments to Israel. The Algerian resolution also references an emergency ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah.
Security Council diplomats are hoping to vote on the resolution soon to prevent further harm to civilians in Gaza. France’s ambassador emphasized the need for urgent action to end the offensive in Rafah.
The situation in Rafah has sparked international outrage and calls for immediate intervention to protect civilians and bring an end to the violence. The world is watching as the Security Council debates the resolution and the fate of those caught in the crossfire.
