The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a new resolution calling for an “urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” in Gaza, as the international community grows increasingly concerned about the ongoing conflict. This follows the United States’ recent blockage of a previous resolution that sought a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the besieged Palestinian territory. The situation has escalated since Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7, prompting Israel to continue its airstrikes in retaliation.
Current Developments:
Despite the U.S. blocking the previous resolution, the General Assembly, consisting of 193 member states, voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ceasefire, with 153 nations supporting the call. The forthcoming Security Council resolution, introduced by Arab countries led by the United Arab Emirates, aims to build on this broad international support for de-escalation in Gaza.
Key Points of the New Resolution:
Urgent and Sustainable Cessation of Hostilities: The resolution emphasizes the immediate need for a sustainable ceasefire to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
Two-State Solution: The draft reaffirms support for a two-state solution in the region, advocating for the unification of the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Unconditional Release of Hostages: The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, condemning all indiscriminate attacks against civilians.
Diplomatic Care: Notably, the draft does not explicitly name Hamas, a move criticized by Israel and the U.S. However, it emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Challenges and Diplomatic Efforts:
The Security Council has faced criticism for its limited response to the Gaza conflict, managing to pass only one resolution since the war’s onset. The negotiation process for the new text continued, with diplomats working to avoid another deadlock. The resolution reflects a delicate diplomatic balancing act amid mounting international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
International Response:
The international community, including the U.S., has expressed deep concerns about the escalation of violence and the impact on civilians. President Joe Biden warned that Israel’s “indiscriminate” bombing could jeopardize its international support. Human Rights Watch called on the U.S. not to use vetoes that block resolutions aimed at halting mass atrocities.
As tensions persist in Gaza, the upcoming vote on the new Security Council resolution holds significant implications for the region’s stability. The international community is closely watching, hoping for a decisive step toward a lasting ceasefire and a renewed commitment to diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
