UN Security Council calls for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza

The UN Security Council called for "extended humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the first time it has broken its silence since the start of the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The resolution, prepared by Malta and adopted with 12 votes in favor, "calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days" to allow aid to reach civilians in the besieged territory.

The resolution passed mentions children in nearly every paragraph, including "demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children."

It also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas militants and other groups, especially children.