The UN resolution could be a turning point in the Gaza conflict

Pressure is mounting on Israel to implement a cease-fire as the UN Security Council agrees to a long-running humanitarian moratorium on the Gaza Strip. Foreign commentator Bernard Hummelberg says the proposal was not vetoed by the US, which is an important signal. “There have been boycotts from the UK, Russia and the US. In doing so, they are saying it is time to listen to Israel and finally work towards a ceasefire.’

This has to do with the fact that the United States did not agree to the resolution and that the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel was not discussed. “But it’s a sign on the wall and a line on the beam,” says Hummelberg. ‘It has been a while since the UN collectively passed a resolution. That is a turning point, and in this case too.’

Also Read | A deal between Hamas and Israel? ‘It looks promising, but we’re not there yet’

However, according to Hummelburg, the most important signal to the UN Security Council was that the US indicated that ‘that was fine’. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is not overly concerned about the resolution. Nevertheless, Hummelberg thinks this is a turning point in the struggle in Gaza. ‘It is not about the text, but about the Security Council not rejecting a resolution on the matter.’

The Israeli military released images yesterday of alleged tunnels and weapons caches under Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Based on those images, it is difficult to ascertain what the conditions are like underneath the hospital. But it is worth noting that Americans support Israel’s image. “I think Israel’s story is true,” Hummelberg says.

Follow developments in the Middle East, Israel and the Palestinian Territories on our live blog

Meanwhile, Germany has put forward ideas about what should happen to Gaza after the war. On non-paper, What Politico writes about, Germany suggested that the United Nations take control of Gaza. ‘They are a UN. They propose an administration that should be ruled by either the Egyptian authorities or a Palestinian self-government.’

Also Read | Israeli soldiers attacked Al Shifa hospital

The proposal, a test balloon, begins Oct. 21 and is related to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s previous statements about reoccupying or militarizing Gaza. So far, reactions to Germany’s proposal have not been positive, says Europe correspondent Geert Jan Hahn.

Good way

According to Hummelberg, UN control over Gaza is a good option. ‘It is not very likely that it will come from the UN. But there have already been proposals to bring together several Arab and European countries to create some sort of temporary police force to ensure that war does not resume. America, Russia, and China see nothing in Israel’s new occupation, and neither does a large portion of the Israeli population. “If there’s no exit strategy now, you can’t solve it by reoccupying Gaza, that’s the stupidest thing you can do.”