Overview

• A Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages received 14 votes but was vetoed by the United States, marking its seventh veto of the Gaza crisis.
• Russia said the veto leaves the Council unable to curb the violence, while China’s Wang Yi pressed for an integral cease-fire, a two-state track and backing for Palestine’s full UN membership.
• Israel launched a new ground push into Gaza City this week, and an IDF spokesperson said seizing the city could take months with further widespread destruction expected.
• Gaza authorities report large forced movements toward the crowded Al Mawasi area under evacuation orders, as UN texts describe aid access as severely restricted for the territory’s 2.1 million people.
• An independent UN commission recently concluded Israel’s actions meet the genocide threshold, and on Sept. 18 the General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel end its presence in occupied territories.