RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed the Security Council resolution that holds parties to the Gaza conflict accountable for not adhering to the international law. The resolution called for the immediate implementation of a humanitarian truce spanning several days, aiming to provide relief to civilians, particularly children, who bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict in besieged enclave. The Kingdom views this resolution as an initial stride in the right direction for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities. It called for an end to military operations while emphasizing the need to hold occupying forces responsible for their blatant violations of legal and humanitarian norms. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council adopted a draft resolution advocating "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" across Gaza. Twelve countries, led by Malta, voted in favor, while the US, the UK and Russia abstained. In addition to the urgent humanitarian measures, the resolution emphasized the release of all hostages. It called for compliance with international law, including humanitarian laws, especially concerning the safeguarding of civilians, particularly children. The resolution urged the parties involved to refrain from denying the Gaza Strip's civilian population essential services and humanitarian assistance crucial for survival, in accordance with international humanitarian law. It underscored the significance of coordination, humanitarian notification, and deconfliction mechanisms to protect medical and humanitarian personnel, vehicles, including ambulances, and critical infrastructure, such as UN facilities. Furthermore, the resolution tasked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with orally reporting to the Security Council on the resolution's implementation at the next mandated meeting focused on the Middle East situation.
