UN security council backs resolution on large-scale aid to Gaza but not ceasefire

US opposes making demand for suspension of hostilities, lack of which International Rescue Committee calls ‘unjustifiable’

The UN security council has voted for a resolution calling for large-scale delivery of aid to Gaza in an effort to contain the imminent threat of famine and deadly epidemics.

The resolution did not however demand a suspension of hostilities, which was opposed by the US, which also insisted on removing a clause giving the UN exclusive control of humanitarian deliveries. Instead, it appealed only for the creation of “conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities”.