Update (1137 EST):
The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2024
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan, the return of all hostages, and the increase of humanitarian aid flow after the United States abstained from the vote. This is the fourth draft resolution on the ongoing Israel-Gaza War and the first one to pass. According to UN News, the resolution makes the following demands:
- “The Council would demand “an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadanrespected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire”
- It would also demand “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs” and “that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain”
- Other provisions would have the Council emphasize “the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip.
- In this regard, the draft would have the Council reiterate its demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law as well as resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).”
Russian Deliberations
Apparently the major sticking point of passing this resolution was objection by the Russian Federation over the word “permanent” with regards to an Israeli ceasefire. The draft submitted for voting reportedly swapped the word permanent for immediate, which rankled the Russian representatives that believed such a weaker word would allow Israel to continue its campaign.
Meaning of a U.S. Abstention
The United States has been the primary ally of Israel to intercede on the Security Council’s previous attempts to call for a ceasefire, this abstention is a culminating point of deteriorating relations between the Biden Administration and the Netanyahu unity war cabinet. While the Security Council would almost certainly not take action against Israel militarily if it continued operations, especially in Rafah, this resolution provides international ammunition for Israel’s allies to cut off military aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly cancelled meetings with Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer and National Security Adviser Hanegbi at the White House over the U.S. refusing to veto the resolution.
