The staff member pushed Greenfield’s hand down as the ambassador beamed her gratitude to her.

It would have been an out of the blue moment if the United States had voted in favour of a boost in the humanitarian aid for Gaza.

After much delay, the United Nations has adopted a key resolution calling for immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

In the resolution, the UNSC reaffirmed the obligations of the parties to the conflict under international humanitarian law, especially regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects, safety of humanitarian personnel, and the provision of humanitarian assistance.

As many as 13 members had voted in favour of the vote and Russia and the US had abstained from it when UNSC President for December José De La Gasca called for voting.

The council demanded that the parties “allow, facilitate and enable” the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.

One of the users on social media described it as an “oops” moment for the US which is a strong supporter of Israel.

Nury Vittachi, who is an editor, said that Greenfield was lucky to be set right.