Highlighting the US taking a firmer stance on Israel

The United States abstains from voting, but the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) urges an immediate truce between Israel and the Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip as well as the release of all captives. The resolution, which was put forth by the council’s ten elected members, received the support of the remaining fourteen council members. Following the decision, there was a wave of applause in the council chamber.

Understanding the ceasefire resolution

The resolution demands the release of all captives taken in the Hamas-led raid on southern Israel on October 7 and an immediate truce for the Muslim month of Ramadan, which concludes in two weeks. The resolution’s sponsor and current member of the Arab bloc’s Security Council, Amar Bendjama, the ambassador of Algeria, stated, “The bloodbath has continued for far too long.” “At last, the Security Council is taking accountability for its actions.” 

Speaking after the vote, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield blamed Hamas for the delay in passing a ceasefire resolution. When civilian fatalities rise and the UN issues a warning about an approaching famine in Gaza, the US has been more and more irate with its friend, the US having previously vetoed Security Council resolutions that placed pressure on Israel. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield accused Hamas for the delay in approving a ceasefire resolution in her remarks following the voting.

The shift in US stance

Some important revisions were overlooked, such as our desire to include a denunciation of Hamas. Increased humanitarian assistance deliveries to the beleaguered coastal enclave would result from the freeing of Israeli detainees. The US does not deem certain wording in the final resolution to be necessary, and its abstention does not signify a change in policy. The US’s refusal to exercise its veto power over the resolution represents a “clear retreat” from its prior stance and would impede attempts to free Israeli prisoners detained in Gaza as well as wage war against Hamas. 

Given the current US stance, Netanyahu will not be sending a high-level delegation to Washington, DC. In order to address Israeli intentions for a ground assault of Rafah in southern Gaza, where over a million displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge, US President Joe Biden has sought to meet with Israeli authorities. Speaking on behalf of the White House, John Kirby stated that the US was “disappointed” with Netanyahu’s choice.

Commitment to diplomacy

Separate meetings between US representatives and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who is presently in Washington would continue to take place to discuss matters like the hostages, providing humanitarian supplies, and safeguarding civilians in Rafah. Netanyahu pledged to upend US requests and extend Israel’s military assault to Rafah even in the absence of backing from its partner. Almost unanimously, the vote after nearly six months has called for a quick and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The United States has vetoed three times. International law applies to Security Council resolutions. They are always regarded as obligatory for every United Nations member state. The resolution must be implemented, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also stated that “failure would be unforgivable” in a post on X. The vote took place in the midst of worldwide pleas to halt the conflict, which has lasted for over six months, as Israeli troops crush Gaza and the humanitarian situation in the beleaguered strip approaches catastrophic proportions.

Humanitarian concerns

Gaza is on the verge of starvation due to Israeli shelling and siege, which has forced more than 90% of the 2.3 million people living there to flee. Since October 7, the Israeli assault has claimed the lives of over 32,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children. Following an attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 people mostly civilians and the kidnapping of around 250 more according to Israeli estimates Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza. Adopting the resolution was hailed by Palestinian authorities, who said it was a positive move. With tears in his eyes, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour urged the UNSC, “This must be a turning point.” “This has to be a sign that the attacks and crimes against our people are over.” The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged UNSC members to carry out their legal obligations and put the resolution into effect right away in a statement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The ministry emphasized the significance of stepping up efforts to guarantee the entry of supplies, work toward the release of Palestinian detainees detained in Israeli jails, avoid forced displacement of Palestinians, and establish a lasting truce that lasts beyond Ramadan. Declaring in a statement that it affirms readiness to engage in immediate prisoner swaps on both sides, Hamas praised the decision.