| Subject: | International Relations |
| Title: | UN Aid Succeeds When R2P Fails: Gaza’s Pillar Two Lesson, 2023-2026 |
| Author(s): | Lalrinfeli |
| Published on: | 28th February 2026 |
| Published by: | Lyceum India |
| Name of the Journal: | Lyceum India Journal of Social Sciences |
| ISSN/E-ISSN: | 3048-6513 |
| Volume & Issue: | Volume: 3, Issue: 2 |
| Pages: | 84-92 |
| Original DOI (if any): | 10.5281/zenodo.18797653 |
| Repository DOI: | |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the nature of the humanitarian efforts of the United Nations in Gaza from 2023-2026. It demonstrates ways in which Pillar Two of the Responsibility to protect (R2P) ended up leading when Pillar Three, coercive protection failed. Through a case-study prism developed on UN agencies reports and some sources, it captures the process by which UNRWA, OCHA, WHO and other actors distributed life-saving assistance even when the population was under blockade. The review shows that civilians are driven to survive through intensive restrictions due to non-coercive assistance, local ownership, and coordination. These findings suggest that the capacity-building and humanitarian efforts to Pillar Two shortened the number of civilian casualties and maintained minimal services operating, which works against the belief that R2P is based on military intervention and demonstrates that consistent humanitarian interventions can protect civilians in desperate conflict areas. |
| Keywords: | Responsibility to Protect, Pillar Two, Gaza, Humanitarian Aid, UNRWA, WHO |
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