In a historic move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has passed a resolution, marking the first by any United Nations agency, demanding urgent access to vital humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The resolution, adopted by consensus at a special session of the WHO's Executive Board on Sunday, emphasizes the necessity for the "immediate, sustained and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel".

This crucial decision comes amidst the deepening crisis in Gaza, where the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the capture of more than 200 individuals. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and subjected Gaza to relentless attacks, claiming the lives of at least 18,000 people.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has struggled to respond effectively to this escalating situation. On Friday, a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, put forth by the United Arab Emirates and co-sponsored by 100 other countries, failed to pass in the UNSC due to the veto power of the United States. Despite the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 to alert the council of the global threat posed by the ongoing conflict, the inability to reach a resolution remains a major concern.

The WHO's resolution highlights the fundamental role of health as a universal priority and the significance of healthcare and humanitarianism in establishing peace, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. This resolution serves as a call to action, urging Member States, particularly those with the most influence, to work swiftly and urgently in order to bring an end to the conflict.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed optimism that this resolution could serve as a starting point for further action. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between ceasefire, peace, and public health, stating that "without a ceasefire, there is no peace. And without peace, there is no health."

Fighting resumed recently, following a week-long pause that allowed for the release of Israeli and foreign captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, with Israel intensifying its military actions in the southern region of the territory, calls for an immediate halt to the hostilities have grown louder.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is poised to vote on a resolution for an immediate ceasefire, most likely on Tuesday. Egypt and Mauritania have invoked Resolution 377, known as "Uniting for Peace", following the US veto, as a means for the UNGA to take action when the UNSC fails to fulfill its responsibility for international peace and security. The adoption of this resolution in 1950 enables the 193-member body to address critical situations.

The WHO's resolution and the potential UNGA vote highlight the urgent need for a halt to the violence in Gaza and the immediate provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. The world watches intently as nations strive to bring about a peaceful resolution to this devastating crisis.