The U.N. Security Council has passed its first resolution since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, urging “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to address the escalating crisis for Palestinian civilians.
Introduced by Malta, the resolution received support from 12 of the 15 council members, with Britain, Russia, and the United States abstaining. The deadlock primarily revolved around whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a formal ceasefire. The United States supported pauses, while Russia advocated for a ceasefire. Russia’s attempt to amend the resolution for a truce leading to a cessation of hostilities failed, resulting in their abstention.
Gaza health officials, recognized by the U.N., report approximately 11,500 confirmed Palestinian casualties. The Security Council faced multiple attempts in October to take action, encountering vetoed resolutions and a deadlock.
In response, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution on Oct. 28, drafted by Arab states, calling for an immediate humanitarian truce, aid access to Gaza, and protection of civilians, with 121 votes in favor.
Sindh Government Challenges Supreme Court’s Verdict On Military Trials For Civilians
The Caretaker government of Sindh has contested the Supreme Court’s ruling against conducting trials of civilians in military courts.
On October 23, the Supreme Court (SC) delivered its verdict by a 4-1 majority in response to pleas opposing the trial of civilians in military courts. The Chairman of PTI and others approached the highest court to challenge the military trial of individuals implicated in the May 9 riots, which were sparked by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The plea presented by the Sindh government asserts that the SC did not thoroughly review the relevant law and circumstances.
The Sindh government has implored the superior court to suspend its verdict until a decision is reached on the review plea, particularly since the accused individuals are demanding their trials be conducted in military courts.
Earlier, the federal government informed the Supreme Court that military courts have commenced trials of civilians. In a miscellaneous petition submitted to the apex court, the government informed about the initiation of trials of civilians in compliance with the court’s order dated August 03.
According to the government’s plea to the court, a total of 102 individuals were apprehended in the aftermath of the incidents on May 09 and 10.
