Humanitarian intervention in the Gaza conflict: a United Nations (UN) perspective

This article examines the challenges faced by the United Nations (UN) in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through the lens of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. Focusing on three major escalations - Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Protective Edge (2014), and the May 2021 conflict the study uses a qualitative case study approach and thematic analysis of UN reports and secondary sources to assess the effectiveness of the UN’s interventions. The findings reveal that political divisions within the UN Security Council, particularly the use of veto power, chronic funding shortages, and operational constraints such as the Israeli blockade, have significantly limited the UN’s ability to prevent mass atrocities and protect civilians. Despite its crucial role in ceasefire mediation and aid delivery, the UN’s response remains reactive and hindered by structural barriers. The article concludes by recommending reforms to limit the Security Council’s veto in cases of mass atrocities, strengthen sustainable funding for key UN agencies, and enhance accountability through closer collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Addressing these systemic challenges is vital for the UN to respond more effectively to protracted humanitarian crises like Gaza and to uphold its global protection mandate.