Yesterday evening, the United Nations Security Council passed a Malta-drafted resolution calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and urging humanitarian pauses between Israel and Hamas yesterday evening.

According to the resolution, the Council demands “for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access”.

The resolution also appeals for the evacuation of the injured and urges all parties to refrain from depriving people in Gaza basic services.

The resolution was voted on with 12 countries being in favour and three abstaining which were Russia, UK and the US.

This marks the first resolution concerning the ongoing conflict to be passed by the UN Security Council, following four unsuccessful attempts.

Foreign Minister Ian Borg also stated how Malta’s efforts were “guided by the need to have a humanitarian resolution” and emphasised Malta’s continued commitment to” working towards peace”.

What do you make of this recent development?