Why it matters:
His remarks highlight growing criticism of international institutions amid the devastating toll of the Gaza war and the fragile ceasefire’s failure to address humanitarian needs.
The big picture:
The Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed at least 68,872 Palestinians and injured more than 170,000 according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Thousands remain missing under rubble.
Despite a ceasefire declared in October 2025, Israeli strikes have continued, killing hundreds more.
Israel has blocked the entry of medicines and medical supplies and prevented over 16,500 patients from leaving Gaza for treatment abroad. Makeshift medical points have collapsed under severe weather, leaving hospitals in ruins and thousands without care.
What he's saying:
Mokhiber wrote on X that “not a single member of the Council had the courage, principle, or respect for international law to vote against this US‑Israel colonial outrage.”
He stressed that the proposal has been rejected by Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders, adding that “the struggle for Palestinian freedom will continue.”
Mokhiber previously headed the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights before resigning in 2023, accusing the UN of failing to stop what he called Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
What’s next:
The UN vote underscores deep divisions over Gaza policy. While Mokhiber and rights groups condemn the Council’s stance, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with Gaza’s health system on the brink of collapse and international law defenders warning of further erosion of accountability.
Go deeper:
“We Will Rebuild Gaza” Campaign Launches to Clear War Debris
Hossein Amiri - Mahboubeh Habibi
