Overview and Additional Source Material on the Gaza War –>
Reports on the Conflict –>
War with Iran –>
War in Lebanon – Operation Northern Arrows –>
Situation in Syria and Golan Heights–>
Official Actions and Significant Occurrences - With Documentation
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Announcement (8 Feb 2025}
- Times of Israel, Gaunt and frail, hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami freed after 16 months (8 Feb 2025)
- Jewish Chronicle, Hostages were choked, hung from the ceiling and starved by Hamas, freed captives claim (10 Feb 2025)
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Announcement (1 Feb 2025}
- Times of Israel, Hostages Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, Ofer Calderon freed after 484 days in Hamas captivity (1 Feb 2025)
- Times of Israel, As Yarden Bibas is released, relief, dread, and evidence that Hamas is reviving (1 Feb 2025)
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Announcement (30 Jan 2025}
- Times of Israel, Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, 5 Thais, freed amid mayhem in Khan Younis; Agam Berger released (30 Jan 2025)
- Times of Israel, In Thailand, families of hostages weep with joy upon news of their release from Gaza (30 Jan 2025)
Security Council discusses Israel’s closing of UNRWAs offices and activities in Israel.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15985)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Minutes of the Meeting, Resumption 1
- Remarks by the Israeli Representative
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Announcement (25 Jan 2025}
- Jerusalem Post, Released hostages return to Israeli territory, to receive medical assessment (25 Jan 2025)
- Jerusalem Post, Four female soldiers unite with families after 477 days in captivity (26 Jan 2025)
Security Council discusses the “plight” of the children in Gaza a week after the ceasefire. However, Israel’s delegate questioned whether the Council has “ever paused to consider plight of Israeli children” who were mutilated by Hamas on 7 October, with 30 taken into the group’s “terror dungeons”.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15975)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Representative
Security Council discusses “ways to ensure steps bring positive change for region”.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15970)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Minutes of the Meeting, Resumption 1 (20 Jan 2025)
- Minutes of the Meeting, Resumption 2 (24 Jan 2025)
- Remarks by the Israeli Representative
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Announcement (19 Jan 2025}
- Ynetnews, End of 471-day nightmare: Hostages Romi, Doron and Emily return to Israel (19 Jan 2025)
- TPS Media, ‘The Spectrum of Feelings is Almost Paralyzing’: Israelis React as First Hostages Return Home (19 Jan 2025)
- Text of the agreement
- NBC News, Israel and Hamas reach deal on Gaza ceasefire and hostage release (15 Jan 2025)
The Security Council once again heard calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, as the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific alleged 45,000 deaths in Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15959)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Representative
The Security Council once again heard calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, as the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific alleged 45,000 deaths in Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15944)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
The outgoing Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process warns the Security Council of the unraveling of decades of work.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15911)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
The Security Council failed to adopt a resolution, put forward by its 10 elected members, that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demanded the release of all hostages. The vote was 14 in favor with the United States exercising its veto, voting against it.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15907)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
Regional delegations call on the Security Council to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15906)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The Security Council, amid claims of “horrific bloodshed,” hears renewed calls for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon and a two-state solution.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15902)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
A month after the White House sent a letter to Israel stating that it had 30 days to improve humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip or be subject to an arms embargo, the U.S. State Department announced that it was satisfied that Israel had taken sufficient steps to deal with the humanitarian situation, and would not impose an arms embargo.
- Original notice to Israel, Blinken/Austin Letter to Gallant/Dermer (13 Oct 2024)
- JNS, Biden administration says it will not issue an arms embargo against Israel (12 Nov 2024)
- Press Release, U.S. Department of State, Readout: Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Dermer (12 Nov 2024)
The Knesset, by a vote of 92 to 10, and 87 to 9, approved two laws barring UNRWA from Israel, and limiting it in Gaza and West Bank. Despite global pressure, the Knesset overwhelmingly approved the legislation against the agency over staffers’ terror links. The Prime Minister’s Office indicated a readiness to work with other agencies and organizations to provide Gaza aid.
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- Times of Israel, Knesset approves laws barring UNRWA from Israel, limiting it in Gaza and West Bank (29 Oct 2024)
- UN Watch, The Case Against UNRWA
- JNS, House hears testimony on UNRWA ‘horror show,’ Hamas links (30 Jan 2024)
- Law prohibiting UNRWA operations in the sovereign territory of Israel – Unofficial English Translation
- Knesset News (29 Oct 2024)
- Law banning contact with UNRWA by the Israeli government – Unofficial English Translation
- Knesset News (29 Oct 2024)
- Israel’s notice of withdrawal from the agreement concerning UNRWA (3 Nov 2024)
The Security Council hears further calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15871)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
- Statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Video (17 Oct 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, Officials to ‘Post’: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Rafah, Gaza Strip (17 Oct 2024)
- Meir Amit Intelligence Center, The Elimination of Yahya al-Sinwar, Head of Hamas: Reactions and Insights (20 Oct 2024)
- Caitlin Chiaramonte, William Casey Biggerstaff, Why Yahya Sinwar Was Not Hors de Combat (1 Nov 2024)
The Security Council hears further calls to address the claimed humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Security Council heard a report from the Commissioner-General of UNRWA regarding the status of the agency in Gaza.
The Security Council deliberated on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Gaza, and heard from over 25 speakers, including the Secretary-General, who again urged the sharply divided Council to support an immediate ceasefire leading to the creation of a Palestinian State.
PM Netanyahu’s spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying in summary: Israel seeks peace. Israel yearns for peace. Israel has made peace and will make peace again. Yet we face savage enemies who seek our annihilation, and we must defend ourselves against them.
- Video — Audio
- Transcript of the Speech
- Reuters, Netanyahu tells UN: Israel seeks peace but ‘enough is enough’ (27 Oct 2024)
The Security Council discusses the situation concerning Hezbollah in Lebanon with references to Gaza.
The Security Council once again discussed the situation concerning Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon including consideration of the pagers explosions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In a resolution promoted by the Palestinian Authority, the UN General Assembly voted 124 for, 14 against, and 43 abstaining, to strip Israel of the right to self-defense in Gaza, West Bank. and calling for an arms embargo against Israel and its withdrawal to the 1976 armistice lines within 12 months.
- Israel Foreign Ministry, Post on X (18 Sep 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, UN votes 124-14 to strip Israel of right to self-defense in Gaza, West Bank (18 Sep 2024)
Communications pagers carried by thousands of Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria exploded more or less simultaneously in an unprecedented attack that authorities say injured thousands and killed as many as 12. Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack.
- Arutz Sheva, Hezbollah pagers explode, over 3,000 injured, at least 9 dead (17 Sep 2024)
- Arutz Sheva, Col. Richard Kemp: ‘Hard to think of more precise, discriminating method of attack’ (18 Sep. 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, Additional Hezbollah devices explode across Lebanon (18 Sep 2024)
- Merit Amit Intelligence Center, Hezbollah Communications Devices Explode (19 Sep 2024)
The Israeli Security Cabinet updated the objectives of the war to include the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.
- Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (17 Sep 2024)
- Remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu (22 Sep 2024)
- Israel Hayom, Israel expands war objectives to include northern residents’ return (17 Sep 2024)
The Security Council once again discussed the situation in Gaza.
The Security Council urged Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that includes a ceasefire and unconditional release of those still held captive.
- Meetings Coverage (SC/15810)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
- U.S. Department of Justice, Press Release (3 Sep 2024)
- Unsealed Complaint
- UK Foreign Office, Press Release (2 Sep 2024)
- Times of Israel, UK suspends 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, insists it’s not an embargo (2 Sep 2024)
- Letter from UK MPs to the UK Foreign Secretary (undated)
- Israel Foreign Ministry, Bodies of six hostages murdered Hamas returned to Israel (31 Aug 2024)
- Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu (1 Sep 2024)
- Israel Foreign Ministry on X, Entrance to tunnel where hostages were executed (5 Sep 2024)
- IDF video of the tunnel where hostages were executed (undated)
- Jerusalem Post, Hamas admits to killing hostages, releases video of slain hostage Eden Yerushalmi (3 Sep 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, Starved, without air or water: Hostages were murdered just hours before rescue, families told (8 Sep 2024)
The Deputy Director-General and Executive Director of the Health Emergency Programme at the World Health Organization confirmed the first case of polio after 25 years of a polio-free Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15805)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Honest Reporting, Is there a Polio outbreak in Gaza? (29 Aug 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, Gaza’s polio vaccination rate hits 90% with 282,000 vials distributed (19 Aug 2024)
- IDF Press Release on Polio Vaccines in Gaza (18 Aug 2024)
The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate for UNIFIL for another 6 months. It also demanded the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and urged all relevant actors to implement immediate measures towards de-escalation — including those aimed at restoring calm, restraint and stability across the Blue Line. Further, the 15-member organ encouraged the Secretary-General to ensure that UNIFIL remains ready to adapt its activities to support de-escalation and requested continued reporting on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) every four months.
The IDF began an extensive ground operation carried out by a division-size force against terrorist concentrations in Jenin and Tulkarm in northern Samaria. Combat helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles of the Air Force participated in the operation. The operation is the largest that has been carried out in Judea and Samaria since Operation Protective Shield in 2002 which broke the then-existing terrorist infrastructure there.
- Jewish Chronicle, Israel launches largest West Bank raid in decades (28 Aug 2024)
The Security Council again hears calls for a ceasefire amid claims of the spread of polio.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15797)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
- Jerusalem Post, Gaza’s polio vaccination rate hits 90% with 282,000 vials distributed (19 Aug 2024)
- IDF Press Release on Polio Vaccines in Gaza (18 Aug 2024)
Israel defended its targeting of a Hamas command center in a mosque inside the compound and elimination of at least 31 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters. It disputed the claims that dozens of civilians were killed in the attack. There were again calls for a ceasefire.
The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs briefed the Security Council, calling for regional de-escalation.
Beirut – Fuad Shukr was eliminated in by an Israeli air strike in south Beirut. He was a senior Hezbollah commander, responsible for the 27 Jul 2024 rocket attack on Majdal Shams that killed 12 Druze children, and wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.
Tehran – Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the politburo of the Hamas terror organization, was eliminated in his guest quarters during a visit to Tehran for the inauguration of the new Iranian president. While the assassination is widely attributed to Israel, there has been no confirmation of this claim.
- IDF Press Release, The Elimination of Fuad Shukr (30 Jul 2024)
- Emanuel Fabian, Times of Israel, IDF says senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in Beirut airstrike (31 Jul 2024)
- Times of Israel, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Tehran strike (31 Jul 2024)
- Dana Polack, The story of the elimination of Fu’ad Shakar, Arutz Sheva (1 Aug 2024)
- Michael N. Schmitt, Targeting Hamas’s Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Faud Shukr (3 Aug 2024)
Hezbollah launched a Falaq 1 rocket from south Lebanon at the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights. The rocket hit a soccer field killing 12 children and teenagers, and injuring more than 40 other people.
- Times of Israel, ‘Shredded to pieces’: Druze community grieves after Hezbollah strike kills 12 children (28 Jul 2024)
- Merit Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Reactions to the Hezbollah Rocket Attack on Majdal Shams (29 Jul 2024)
The Deputy Commissioner-General for Operational Support of UNRWA reported to the Security Council, defending the agency against criticism.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15779)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Remarks by the Israeli Ambassador
- Rephael Ben-Ari, Shaul Sharf, UNRWA: Humanitarian Terrorism? (30 Jul 2024)
“This terrible war must end”, said the Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet to the Security Council, amid continuing calls for a ceasefire. He noted that the Secretary-General is disappointed by the Israeli parliament’s (Knesset) resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15767)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Minutes – Resumption 1
- Minutes – Resumption 2 (19 Jul 2024)
The Security Council was briefed by the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza on the calls for a ceasefire and the unimpeded delivery of aid.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15757)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The Security Council was briefed by the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on the situation with Hezbollah, Hamas, and terrorists in Judea and Samaria.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15743)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The Security Council adopted a resolution, by a vote of 14 in favor and 1 abstention (Russia), proposing a three-phase ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, urging both Israel and Hamas to implement it fully and without delay and condition..
- Press Release (SC/15723)
- Minutes 0f the Meeting
- Resolution (S/Res/2735)
- Jerusalem Post, IDF rescues four hostages from Hamas captivity in daring Gaza operation (8 Jun 2024)
- Statement by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (8 Jun 2024)
- Video Clips of the Rescue
- 1. Entry and rescue of Almog Meir, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv
- 2. Almog Meir, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv escorted to rescue helicopter
- 3. Noa Argamani escorted to rescue helicopter
- 4. Noa Argamani enters the helicopter
- Times of Israel, ‘Hero of Israel’: Thousands pay last respects to officer killed in hostage rescue op (9 Jun 2024)
The Security Council hears briefings from UN officials on the situation in Gaza. Speakers blamed Israel for an incident in which an alleged 45 persons were killed and many more injured. However, the claim that Israel was responsible has been found to be false.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15710)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- IDF Press Briefing (28 May 2024)
- CAMERA, Fifty-Two UN “Experts” and Seven Major Lies (31 May 2024)
The Court issued a additional order regarding the IDF’s activities in Rafah and the humanitarian demands being imposed on Israel. The order does not demand a halt to the IDF operation in Rafah, but only requires that Israel not carry out actions that could be considered “genocide”.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that he was requesting the issuance of arrest warrants from the Court for Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwa, Muhammad Daif, and Ishmael Hania, and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Joav Galant.
The Security Council is briefed on the situation in Gaza and Rafah.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15701)
- Minutes of the Meeting
In a plenary meeting of the 10th Emergency Session of the General Assembly, a resolution was adopted, 143 in favor, 9 opposed (Czechia, Hungary, Argentina, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Israel, and the United States), and 25 abstentions, claiming that “Palestine” is qualified to be a full member of the UN, urged the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably, and granted the PA special rights of participation in the General Assembly, but not the right to vote.
- UN News (10 May 2024)
- Meetings Coverage (GA/12599)
- Resolution as adopted (10 May 2024)
- Draft Resolution (9 May 2024)
- Times of Israel (10 May 2024)
- Report, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (12 May 2024)
- Netanyahu on Rejecting the Resolution (15 May 2024)
- CNN, US paused shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over potential use in Rafah incursion (8 May 2024)
- CNN, Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches major invasion of Rafah (8 May 2024)
- CNN, Biden Interview (8 May 2024)
- Letter to White House from US Congress (10 May 2024)
Israel entered eastern Rafah during the evening hours and proceeded to take control of the crossing into Egypt.
- IDF post on X – formerly Twitter (7 May 2024)
- Wall Street Journal (7 May 2024)
- Intermountain Jewish News (7 May 2024)
The Security Council hears the Senior Coordinator for Gaza Aid report on the need for comprehensive support.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15679)
- Minutes of the Meeting
Biden signed H.R. 815, which provides supplemental emergency appropriations for fiscal year 2024 to Federal agencies to respond to the situations in Israel and Ukraine, and for assistance to the Indo-Pacific region.
- Public Law No: 118-50 (H.R. 815 enrolled)
- White House Press Release (24 Apr 2024)
- Congress.gov (H.R. 815)
After an all-day debate on the Middle East situation, a resolution to accept the Palestinian Authority as a full member state of the UN was vetoed by the United States. Twelve Council members voted for the resolution, with the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstaining and the United States exercising its veto.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15669)
- Meetings Coverage (S/15670)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Draft Resolution
- Elad Benari, US vetoes, Security Council resolution accepting PA as full member fails to pass, Arutz Sheva (19 Apr 2024)
In a debate spanning two sessions on April 18, and concluded on April 25, the hostilities in Gaza were considered by the Security Council.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15669)
- Meetings Coverage (S/15681)
- Minutes of the Meetings
The Security Council was briefed on and discussed UNRWA’s role in Gaza.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15668)
- Minutes of the Meeting
U.S. House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 377 to 44, Resolution H.Res. 883 condemning the chant “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” as antisemitic. The resolution comes in response to the many pro-Hamas demonstrations calling for the destruction of the State of Israel, and the missile and drone attack by Iran against Israel.
- Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, Roll Call 134 | Bill Number: H. Res. 883
- Elad Benari, House approves: ‘From the River to the Sea’ is antisemitic, Arutz Sheva, (17 Apr 2024)
The Security Council was briefed on and discussed the Iranian attack on Israel, with concerns raised about the risk of a full-scale conflict.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15660)
- Video | Audio of the Full Meeting
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Arutz Sheva, Ambassador Erdan to Security Council: No more red-carpet treatment for Iran (15 Apr 2024)
Iran launched a massive barrage at Israel, estimated at more than 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. This is reportedly the largest drone/missile attack ever. Israel responded, along with the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Jordan. Most of the projectiles were eliminated outside of Israeli airspace.
- Operational Update by the IDF, Successful Defense of Israel’s Airspace Overnight (14 Apr 2024)
- Jerusalem Post, Iran attacks Israel: No drones, cruise missiles breached Israeli airspace (14 Apr 2024)
- Action over Jerusalem – Video 1 Video 2
Turkey restricts exports of 54 products to Israel until there is a Gaza ceasefire.
- Notice of Turkish Export Restrictions [English trans. and Turkish] (9 Apr 2024)
- Al-Monitor, Turkey restricts exports of 54 products to Israel until Gaza cease-fire (9 Apr 2024)
The Security Council referred renewed consideration of the Palestinian Authority’s application for UN membership to the Committee on Admissions.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15655)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- 2011 Application (S/2011/592)
- 2024 Renewed Application (S/2024/286)
The Security Council was briefed on and discussed reported Israeli attacks against Iran in Syria.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15650)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The Security Council discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and activities in Judea and Samaria.
- Meetings Coverage – (S/15643)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The Security Council adopted a resolution, by a vote of 14 in favor with 1 abstention (the United States), calling for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Russia proposed an oral amendment that would have called for a permanent ceasefire. The proposed amendment was rejected with 3 votes in favor, 1 against, and 11 abstentions.
- Meetings Coverage (SC/15641)
- Resolution (S/RES/2728)
- Russia's Proposed Amendment
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Comment by Israeli Ambassador (26 Mar 2024
- Jerusalem Post, UNSC approves resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza, US abstains (25 Mar 2024)
The resolution — presented by the United States — would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza conditioned on the immediate release of all hostages. Eleven Council members voted for the resolution, with Guyana abstaining and Russia and China exercising their veto.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15637)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Draft Resolution
- Times of Israel, Russia, China veto US resolution at UN calling for Gaza ceasefire tied to hostage deal (22 Mar 2024)
- Algemeiner, Israel’s UN Ambassador Accuses Security Council of ‘Whitewashing’ Terrorist Crimes (22 Mar 2024)
Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, reported on findings from an official visit to Israel from 29 January to 14 February, concerning the October 7 Hamas massacre.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15621)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Speech by Israeli Foreign Minister Katz
- Israel Hayom, Israel urges UN Security Council to pressure Hamas on hostages (12 Mar 2024)
Nicaragua filed an application instituting proceedings against Germany before the International Court of Justice alleging violations in Gaza under the Genocide Convention. Nicaragua has requested that the Court impose provisional measures against Germany.
- Nicaraguan application (1 Mar 2024)
- ICJ press release – English French (1 Mar 2024)
- Further Documentation
The Security Council discussed the claim that famine is occurring in Gaza, a claim rebutted by Israel.
- Meetings Coverage – (S/15604)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Jerusalem Post, ‘There is no famine in Gaza’ – comment (8 Mar 2024)
The Security Council discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid further appeals for a ceasefire.
- Meetings Coverage – (S/15600)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The resolution — presented by Algeria — would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as reiterating a call for unhindered humanitarian access. Thirteen Council members voted for the resolution, with the United Kingdom abstaining and the United States exercising its veto.
Biden issues an executive order imposing sanctions on persons allegedly undermining peace, security, and stability in Judea and Samaria.
- Executive Order (1 Feb 2024)
- Notice to Congress (1 Feb 2024)
- Kalman Liebeskind, The blood libel regarding “settler violence”, Ribonut (29 Dec 2023)
The Security Council took up the situation in Gaza focussing on the role of UNRWA and allegations of its intimate involvement with Hamas.
- Meetings Coverage – (S/15575)
- Minutes of the Meeting
Several countries freeze funding for UNRWA in response to the organization’s complicity in Hamas atrocities – List
- Hearing, US House of Representatives (30 Jan 2024)
- WSJ, Intelligence Reveals Details of U.N. Agency Staff’s Links to Oct. 7 Attack (29 Jan 2024)
- Reuters, Israel accuses 190 UN staff of being ‘hardened’ militants (29 Jan 2024 )
- UN Watch, UNRWA Terror Support Widespread (28 Jan 2024)
The Security Council again took up the situation in Gaza and consideration of how to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in an extended debate that went over to a second day.
- Meetings Coverage – 23 Jan 2024 (S/15569)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Meetings Coverage – 24 Jan 2024 (S/15570)
- Minutes of the Meeting
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in a resolution similar to that adopted by the EU on 18 Jan 2024, unequivocally condemned the October 7 attacks and called for a ceasefire provided that the hostages be immediately and unconditionally released and Hamas dismantled.
- News Release (23 Jan 2024)
- Resolution 2524 (2024)
- Report and Amendments
- Video of the Debate
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament demands that all hostages be immediately and unconditionally released and the terrorist organization Hamas dismantled as a condition for a cease-fire. It also reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution.
The designation of the Houthis (Ansarallah) comes in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis against international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Previously, the group was designated as a terrorist group by the Trump Administration in January 2021, but revoked by the Biden Administration in February of that year. Individual Houthi officials were designated as terrorists in both 2021 and 2024.
- Group redesignation, Press Release (17 Jan 2024)
- Individual designations, Press Release (25 Jan 2024), Fed. Reg., Vol. 89, No. 20 (30 Jan 2024)
- Group designation, Fed. Reg., Vol. 86, No. 11 (19 Jan 2021)
- Individual designations, Fed. Reg., Vol 86, No. 11 (19 Jan 2021)
- Revocation of group designation, Press Release (12 Feb 2021), Fed. Reg., Vol. 86, No. 29 (16 Feb 2021)
The Security Council considered the situation in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.
- Meetings Coverage – Gaza (S/15564)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Meetings Coverage – Yemen (S/15565)
- Minutes of the Meeting
The US and UK launched military strikes against Houthi targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, in response to continued attacks by the Houthis, after the US and its allies warned that the Iran-backed militant group would bear the consequences of its attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Hearings were held on 11 and 12 Jan 2024 concerning South Africa’s request for provisional measures.
- 11 Jan 2024 – Verbatim Record, South Africa
- 12 Jan 2024 – Verbatim Record, Israel
- Court’s Press Release – 12 Jan 2024
English French - Full Documentation
Meetings Coverage (SC/15561)
Minutes 0f the Meeting
Proposed Oral Amendments – rejected
Resolution (S/Res/2722)
South Africa filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice alleging violations by Israel in Gaza under the Genocide Convention.
- South African application (28 Dec 2023)
- ICJ press release – English, French (29 Dec 2023)
- Elad Benari, South Africa urges ICJ to probe Israel for genocide, Arutz Sheva (29 Dec. 2023)
- Elad Benari, Israel to defend itself against South Africa’s case, Arutz Sheva (2 Jan 2024)
- Further Documentation
Discussion of the risk of a regional spillover of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.
- Meetings Coverage (SC/15549)
- Minutes 0f the Meeting
UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for calling for the appointment of a coordinator for humanitarian aid and for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. There were 13 votes in favor and 2 abstentions (United States, and Russia). An oral amendment proposed by Russia that called for a “suspension of hostilities” was rejected upon a veto by the United States, having received 10 votes in favor, 1 against (United States), and 4 abstentions (Albania, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom)..
- Meetings Coverage (SC/15546)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Proposed Amendment (oral)
- Resolution (S/Res/2720)
The US Defense Secretary announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative to address the security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain will join the US in the new mission. Several other countries have also agreed to be involved in the operation but prefer not to be publicly named.
- France 24 (19 Dec 2023)
- i24 News (19 Dec 2023)
- Houthis vow to defy international coalition, Times of Israel (19 Dec 2023)
Discussion of the situation in Gaza and Judea and Samaria.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15539)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Video on-site (Hebrew)
- YouTube (Hebrew)
- YouTube (English voice-over) and English transcript
The UN General Assembly, in a reconvened 10th Emergency Session, adopted a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza. The vote was 153 votes for, 10 against, and 23 abstentions. Two amendments, one proposed by Austria and the other by the United States, seeking an explicit condemnation of Hamas, did not pass, failing to get two-thirds support.
- Documentation
- Remarks by Gilad Erdan, Israeli Ambassador to the UN (15 Dec 2023)
In an unprecedented meeting of the organization’s Executive Board held on 10 Dec 2023, a resolution was adopted concerning aid for the residents of Gaza.
- Media Advisory
- Annotated Agenda
- Press Release
- Resolution – Draft (9 Dec 2023)
- Resolution – Approved (10 Dec 2023)
- Remarks by Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israeli Ambassador to the UN in Geneva
- WHO – meeting webpage
The UN Security Council met in response to a request from the Secretary-General issued under Article 99 of the Charter. After a full day of deliberations, a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire of Israel’s operations in Gaza was vetoed by the United States.
- Letter from Secretary General (6 Dec 2023)
- Meetings Coverage I (S/15518)
- Meetings Coverage II (S/15519)
- Minutes of the Meeting I
- Minutes of the Meeting II
- Draft Resolution
- Ceasefire ends, rocket fire, airstrikes resume, Jerusalem Post (1 Dec 2023)
- IDF providing information to Gazans on how to move to safety, Arutz Sheva (1 Dec 2023)
- IDF – instructions and map
- Reactions to the resumption of hostilities, Merit Amit Center (6 Dec 2023)
During a ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council held on 29 Nov 2023, there were again calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. No action was taken.
- Meetings Coverage (S/15506)
- Minutes of the Meeting
There was no press release for this closed meeting, nor public minutes. A short communique was issued.
Military operations ceased at 7:00 in the morning. The first release of hostages from Gaza occurred at 16:00.
- Hostages released on first day (24 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on second day (25 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on third day (26 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on fourth day (27 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on fifth day (28 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on sixth day (29 Nov 2023)
- Hostages released on seventh day (30 Nov 2023)
The UN Security Council met on 22 Nov 2023 to again discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During the meeting, delegates praised the hostage deal and renewed the call for a humanitarian ceasefire.
- Statements by the Israeli Government and the Prime Minister (22 Nov 2023)
- Statement by Qatar (22 Nov 2023)
- Israeli cabinet approves partial Gaza hostage deal, Jerusalem Post (22 Nov 2023)
- Hezbollah says that pause will apply to it, Jerusalem Post (22 Nov 2023)
The parliamentary motion called for closure of the Israeli embassy and cutting of diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza. The vote was 248 in favor and 91 opposing. The motion is not binding and needs government approval to be implemented. The government has not acted on the motion.
- Parliamentary motion (21 Nov 2023)
- Elad Benari, South Africa: Lawmakers vote in favor of cutting ties with Israel, Arutz Sheva (22 Nov 2023)
- IDF – Press Release (15 Nov 2023)
- BBC apologizes for false accusation against the IDF
- The Jewish Chronicle (15 Nov 2023)
- Lt. Col. Richard Hecht – We Tried to Tell Them About Shifa Hospital (20 Nov 2023)
- IDF breaches blast door in Hamas tunnel under Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, Times of Israel (22 Nov 2023)
- Hamas tunnels under Shifa hospital – IDF video
UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for extended pauses in Gaza. There were 12 votes in favor and 3 abstentions (United States, Great Britain, and Russia). An amendment proposed by Russia that called for a “cessation of hostilities” was rejected, having received only 5 votes in favor with 1 vote against and 9 abstentions.
- Security Council Meetings Coverage (SC/15496)
- Jerusalem Post (15 Nov 2023)
- Minutes of the Meeting
- Resolution (S/Res/2712)
The UK House of Commons rejected two proposals, one calling for extended humanitarian pauses (183 for, 290 opposed), and a second calling for an immediate ceasefire (125 for, 293 opposed).
- UK House of Commons, Votes and Proceedings (15 Nov 2023)
- The Jewish Chronicle (15 Nov 2023)
The Biden administration extended a sanctions waiver to allow Iran to access upwards of $10 billion in electricity revenue held in escrow in Iraq.
- Associated Press (14 Nov 2023)
- Reuters (15 Nov 2023)
- Congressional Research Service, Moving the Money, Testimony (26 Oct 2023)
- Congress Should Take Away Iran’s $10 Billion Sanctions Relief, FDD (15 Nov 2023
Arab and Muslim leaders called for an immediate end to military operations in Gaza. However, Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in rejecting a proposal to sever all ties with Israel.
The UN Security Council met again on 10 Nov 2023 to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis. The head of the WHO briefed the Council on Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.
The U.S. House Representatives censured Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mi) for promoting false narratives regarding the 7 Oct 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the State of Israel. The vote was 228 in favor and 188 against.
- H.R. 845
- Voting Results
- Ethics Complaint Filed (19 Oct 2023)
IDF facilitated the reopening of a humanitarian corridor in order to allow civilians in the northern Gaza Strip to move southward toward safety. Video clip
Hezbollah Secretary Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah speaks on the war.
- Al-Manar English Website – All Scenarios Open (5 Nov 2023)
- Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center – 0verview, main points, reactions (7 Nov 2023)
- L’Orient Today – Nasrallah’s follow-up speech (11 Nov 2023)
- Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center – review of the follow-up speech (13 Nov 2023)
- France 24 (31 Oct 2023)
- Reuters (31 Oct 2023)
- Michael Horton, Houthi missile launches at Israel risk reigniting war in Yemen, Responsible Statecraft (30 Oct 2023)
Bolivia broke relations with Israel, and Columbia, Chile and Jordan recalled their ambassadors. Israel’s Foreign Ministry reacted, saying that the step “is a surrender to terrorism and the Ayatollah’s regime in Iran.”
- Israel Foreign Ministry (31 Oct 2023)
- Times of Israel [Bolivia] (1 Nov 2023)
- Times of Israel [Jordan] (1 Nov 2023)
The UN Security Council met again in emergency session on Monday afternoon (EDT) 30 Oct 2023 to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Israel opened the second of three water piplines to the southern part of Gaza, allowing approximately 28.5 million liters of water to flow per day.
- World Israel News (29 Oct 2023)
Overnight, the IDF began a new phase of the war in Gaza, entering on the ground. This move followed two days of limited, temporary ground operations in Gaza.
The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding Jordanian resolution calling for an immediate and sustained ‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza. The vote was 120 votes for, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. An amendment, proposed by Canada and backed by over 35 Member States, including the US, seeking an explicit condemnation of Hamas, did not pass, failing to get two-thirds support.
- Documentation
Shurat HaDin demanded in a letter signed by more than 1550 attorneys and 50 physicians that the International Red Cross take action in accordance with its obligations to secure the release and protection of the hostages taken by Hamas in violation of fundamental principles of international law.
Shurat HaDin’s letter followed a similar demand from 49 organizations sent to the ICRC on October 12.
- Arsen Ostrovsky, The Red Cross Has Become a Glorified Uber Driver, Jewish Journal (6 Dec 2023)
UN Security Council failed to pass the US resolution even though it garnered 10 votes in favor. The Russian resolution received only 4 votes in favor.
The UN Security Council met in a day-long meeting on 24 Oct 2023 to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Hamas released two elderly Israeli women: Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85. Their husbands were still being held hostage.
- Jerusalem Post (24 Oct 2023)
An American-Israeli mother and her daughter were reunited with family after their release by Hamas.
- Reuters (21 Oct 2023)
EU Parliament calls for the elimination of Hamas – 500 votes for, 21 against, 24 abstentions
- Resolution 2023/2899(RSP)) ¶ 1, p. 2
- Press Release
US Vetoes Draft Security Council resolution calling for “humanitarian pauses”