UN urges immediate ceasefire as Israel-Hamas conflict enters third month
In the ongoing conflict in Khan Younis and its surroundings, Israeli tanks are striving to advance against Hamas, encountering resistance in the midst of intense battles, marking the war's third month. Simultaneously, the United Nations calls for an immediate ceasefire and is set to vote on a resolution this Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.
Against the backdrop of the World Health Organization's reports on the "catastrophic" health situation in Gaza, Palestinian activists have called for a global strike on Monday, part of a coordinated effort to pressure Israel for a ceasefire.
"It's time - GLOBAL STRIKE worldwide," urged the activists.
The United Nations General Assembly, comprising 193 members, is expected to vote on a resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday, diplomats announced on Sunday.
On Friday, the United States vetoed a proposal from the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.
The American vote was criticised by Arab foreign ministers at an international conference in Doha, Qatar's capital, which played a key role in negotiating the ceasefire at the end of last month.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he will not give up on the ceasefire plea.
"I have urged the Security Council to press for avoiding a humanitarian catastrophe, reiterating my call for a humanitarian truce," said Guterres. "Regrettably, the Security Council has failed to do so, but that doesn't make it any less necessary."
The clashes began on October 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 casualties and 240 hostages. In response, Israel vowed to annihilate the Islamist militant group Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.
According to Gaza health authorities, approximately 18,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, with 49,500 injured. About 100 Israeli hostages were released during a one-week truce that concluded on December 1.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
