In a significant move, the United Nations Security Council issued a demand for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, alongside the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution garnered support from 14 council members, while the United States chose to abstain from the vote.
The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, marks a departure from previous U.S. stances on the conflict, particularly concerning the term “ceasefire.” Previously, Washington had utilized its veto power to shield Israel from resolutions pertaining to ceasefire calls during the six-month-old conflict in the Gaza Strip.
However, amidst mounting global pressure for a truce, particularly as the conflict’s toll on Palestinian lives continues to rise, the U.S. decision to abstain allowed the Security Council to demand an immediate ceasefire, coinciding with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which concludes in two weeks.
Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the urgent need for expanded humanitarian assistance and reinforced protection of civilians throughout the Gaza Strip. It reiterates the Security Council’s demand for the removal of barriers hindering the provision of humanitarian aid at scale.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly threatened to cancel a planned delegation to Washington if the U.S. did not veto the resolution. This move underscores the diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict and the significant role of international actors in its resolution.
The abstention by the United States represents a departure from its previous stances on the Gaza conflict. While the U.S. has previously vetoed three draft resolutions concerning the war in Gaza, it has also abstained twice, enabling the adoption of resolutions aimed at enhancing aid to Gaza and calling for temporary pauses in hostilities.
It’s worth mentioning that Russia and China have also exercised their veto power on two U.S.-drafted resolutions related to the conflict, once in October and again recently.
Source: Reuters
