UN Approves Aid Resolution in Gaza

The United Nations has passed a resolution which calls for safe humanitarian access throughout Gaza. The resolution will allow expanded aid to enter the territory, which is facing a humanitarian crisis due to the war.

The vote was delayed repeatedly to allow time to convince the United States not to veto the resolution. The original draft had called for “cession” of hostilities, meaning a temporary ceasefire. This part of the resolution was a point of contention for the U.S. because the U.S. is Israel’s closest ally. During the final vote, the resolution called for creating “the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” Therefore, the final resolution suggested a temporary ceasefire but did not require it. Thirteen nations voted in favor of the resolution, with the United States and Russia abstaining. According to ABC News, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield says they abstained because “The Council was not able to condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Oct. 7.”

IDF Prepares to Expand South

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are in their final stages of operational control in northern Gaza and are now working their way south, starting with the city of Khan Younis. The IDF called on residents of central Gaza to move south. With the North-South highway remaining a battlezone, the IDF will facilitate the movement of civilians on a bypass route along the coast. In addition, the IDF announced that they will be making pauses in military activity between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for humanitarian purposes. The death toll in Gaza, according to their health officials, has now passed 20,000. Many are concerned that it will continue to rise as fighting progresses. 

US Hostage Confirmed Dead

Gadi Haji was a 73 year old American-Israeli, who was a part of Kibbutz Nir Oz. On October 7th, Gadi Haji along with his wife Judy Weinstein were shot and taken hostage by Hamas. Judy Weinstein was wounded by the shooting and is still being held hostage.The hostage Center recently confirmed that Haji was killed on October 7, and that his body was taken to Gaza at that time.

Gadi Haji had four children and seven grandchildren. He played flute for the IDF Orchestra and had many ties to New York.

President Joe Biden responded to the news with being “heartbroken.” He also reaffirmed his pledge to the families of those still held hostage to “not stop working to bring them home.”

Hamas Tunnel Found

As the Israeli Defense Forces take control of Gaza, they have found many tunnels under the territory. Recently, a 2.5 mile long tunnel, that ends 400 meters before the northern border of Gaza and Israel, was discovered. The tunnel is wide enough to drive large vehicles through. It reaches 50 meters underground, and has electricity, ventilation, and communication systems. The IDF claims it was used as a launching point for attacks.

Hamas claimed to have built 311 miles worth of tunnels throughout Gaza. The tunnels are used for storing rockets and ammunition, housing Hamas control centers, and launching attacks into Israel. The tunnels are also known to be the housing of Israeli hostages that Hamas took during the October 7th attack. According to the IDF, the main Hamas command centers are located under schools and hospitals including Al-Shifa, the biggest hospital in Gaza.