The United Nations has expressed cautious optimism as brief pauses in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have allowed critical polio vaccinations for children in Gaza. These temporary halts in fighting mark rare moments of hope in the nearly yearlong war, which has devastated the region.
On Wednesday, top UN officials in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts shared their insights during a meeting requested by Israel, with backing from permanent Security Council members France, Great Britain, and the United States.
Israel’s ambassador took the opportunity to emphasize the dire situation of hostages taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks, which sparked the ongoing conflict. The recent tragic deaths of six captives were also highlighted as a grim reminder of the war’s toll.
Algeria, currently a member of the 15-member council, had called for a broader discussion on the Palestinian territories. Its position underscores the global concern surrounding the deepening crisis, with the Security Council grappling with the complex political and humanitarian dimensions.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Edem Wosornu, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, both described the pauses in fighting for polio vaccinations as: “rare rays of hope”
“Rare rays of hope” said DiCarlo.
Their remarks were echoed by representatives from France, Britain, the U.S., and other nations, all stressing the significance of these humanitarian breakthroughs.
