The United States has put forth a resolution at the United Nations Security Council mandating “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” within the Israel-Hamas conflict, asserting that it is critical for the protection of civilians and allowing urgently needed humanitarian assistance for over 2 million Palestinians requiring food aid.
Expressing optimism regarding the vote on the strengthened resolution, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield anticipates the support of the council’s 15 nations on Friday.
By “determining” the urgent need for a cease-fire, the current draft does not link this demand specifically to the release of hostages from Hamas’ Oct. 7 onslaught on Israel — this connection was found in an earlier version of the draft. The proposal now unequivocally backs up diplomatic initiatives “to secure such a cease-fire along with the liberation of all remaining hostages.”
The Russian deputy ambassador to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, expressed dissatisfaction with any proposal not directly demanding an immediate cease-fire, highlighting that this was the position pressed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a general consensus. He criticized the wording of the draft with an analogy to an unfulfilled monetary promise, accusing someone of tricking the international community.
While the Security Council has agreed upon two resolutions addressing Gaza’s growing humanitarian dilemma, neither of them called for cessation of hostilities.
Two vetoes were cast by Russia and China on a late October resolution backed by the United States that called for fighting halts to facilitate aid delivery and protection to civilians, and to prevent further arming of Hamas. These countries argued that the resolution overlooked the global demand for a halt to the conflict.
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has used its veto against three resolutions that called for a cease-fire, with the most recent one being an Arab-endorsed proposal that had garnered the support of 13 council members and only one abstention on February 20th.
Following major negotiations and amendments, the U.S. presented an alternative resolution a day prior, initially pushing for a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of all hostages. Contrastingly, the previous version supported international efforts for a cease-fire as part of an agreement on hostages.
The drafting of the vote comes while Blinken is involved in his sixth critical trip to the Middle East considering a cease-fire and hostage negotiations, as well as post-conflict prospects.
Nate Evans, of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, highlighted the resolution as a chance for the Council to uniformly support the ongoing diplomatic negotiations and to pressurize Hamas to accept the current proposal.
Also, the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council are working on their draft demanding an immediate cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on March 10, hoping for it to lead to a lasting stop to the fighting.
This separate draft calls for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and places a strong emphasis on the need to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid throughout Gaza.
The deadly attack on Oct. 7 by Palestinian militants resulted in the killing of about 1,200 individuals and abduction of 250 more. Approximately 100 hostages are presumed to still be in Hamas’ custody, as well as the remains of 30 others.
The death toll in Gaza has been raised by the Health Ministry, currently standing at nearly 32,000 Palestinians. They have not distinguished between civilian and militant casualties but state that women and children are two-thirds of the fatalities.
The IPC, the global authority on hunger crisis assessments, has issued a warning that “famine is imminent” in northern Gaza, where 70% of the population is facing extreme food scarcity. According to the report, the escalating conflict could endanger half of the entire Gazan population with starvation.
The U.S. draft resolution expresses “deep concern about the threat of conflict-induced famine and epidemics facing Gaza, as well as the number of undernourished people,” and notes the alarming levels of hunger in the region. It emphasizes “the urgent need to expand the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians across Gaza” and the removal of obstacles to aid.
Prepared in its “blue” final version for voting, the draft is a step ahead of the pending decision.
After a closed-door consultation on Gaza, France’s ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, indicated that the Council is willing to take decisive action. This could lead to either the adoption of the U.S. text or, in case of its failure, the immediate introduction of the elected members’ draft for a vote.
Israel is undergoing increasing pressure, even from its closest allies, to ease aid access into Gaza and facilitate additional land crossings, with the intention of reaching a cease-fire agreement. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on targeting the military operations further into the southern city of Rafah, considered a stronghold for Hamas and where nearly 1.3 million displaced Palestinians currently seek shelter.
In a notable move, the U.S. draft resolution would be the first to condemn in a U.N. resolution “all acts of terrorism,” specifically mentioning the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, the taking and killing of hostages, the murder of civilians, and instances of sexual violence, including rape.”
FAQ Section
What is the resolution proposed by the US at the UN Security Council?
The US has proposed a resolution that “determines” the imperative of “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war, with a focus on humanitarian aid delivery and the release of hostages.
Why is Russia critical of the draft resolution?
Russia criticizes the draft for not directly calling for an immediate cease-fire, with the Russian deputy ambassador to the UN implying that the proposal appears to be playing with the expectations of the international community.
Has the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for a cease-fire in this conflict before?
No, the Security Council has adopted resolutions concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza but not specifically calling for a cease-fire in this conflict.
What are the implications if the US resolution is not adopted?
If not adopted, the ten elected members of the Security Council have prepared their draft demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire which will then be put up for a vote.
What is the current situation in Gaza?
Gaza is facing near-catastrophic conditions, with the Health Ministry reporting nearly 32,000 Palestinian deaths and warnings of an imminent famine in the region.
Conclusion
The impending UN Security Council vote on the US-sponsored resolution is a pivotal moment in the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the resolution aims to bring an imperative and sustained cease-fire to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, its success hangs in diplomatic balance, with criticisms from member states like Russia and alternative drafts waiting in the wings. The international community watches as the United Nations deliberates on the course of action that could pave the way for peace and aid in the region.