On Wednesday, the United States took a firm stance against a proposed United Nations Security Council resolution that sought an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanded an end to Israel’s ongoing military operations in the southern city of Rafah. Algeria, serving as the Arab representative on the council, circulated the draft resolution to the 15 council members on Tuesday evening following emergency consultations addressing the escalating violence in Rafah.
US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood addressed reporters ahead of the monthly Mideast meeting, expressing skepticism about the efficacy of yet another resolution. “Another resolution is not necessarily going to change anything on the ground,” Wood stated, underscoring the US perspective that resolutions alone are insufficient to resolve the deeply rooted conflict.
The primary focus of the United States, according to Wood, is securing an agreement that would temporarily pause the hostilities. This temporary truce aims to facilitate the release of approximately 125 hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 invasion of southern Israel. Following this, the US envisions working towards a long-term resolution to the conflict, which has dragged on for seven months.
In contrast, Majed Bamya, the Palestinian deputy ambassador, articulated the importance of the proposed resolution during the council meeting. He asserted that its adoption would be a critical step in compelling Israel to halt its military offensive, withdraw its occupation forces, and ensure an immediate ceasefire.
Despite these calls for urgent action, Algerian UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama pressed forward, distributing the draft as Israel’s military campaign in Rafah intensified. The situation in Rafah is particularly dire, with over a million Palestinians having sought refuge there amid Israel’s wider offensive in Gaza. Though many have since fled, the United Nations reports that nowhere in Gaza is currently safe, and the humanitarian conditions are increasingly dire.
The circulated draft resolution is comprehensive in its demands. It reiterates the need for compliance with previous council resolutions that advocate for the opening of all border crossings and ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who are in desperate need of food and other essential aid.
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According to the text obtained by The Associated Press, the resolution also demands that all involved parties respect the ceasefire and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. Some diplomats had hoped for an expedited vote, aiming for as soon as Wednesday. However, the formidable opposition by the United States leaves the resolution’s future uncertain. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong stressed the urgency of the situation, telling reporters, “It is our hope that it can be done as quickly as possible because life is in the balance.”
Historically, the United States has vetoed multiple resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, though it did abstain from a vote advocating for a temporary cessation of hostilities during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The draft resolution emphasizes that the current catastrophic situation in Gaza poses a substantial threat to both regional and international peace and security. It expresses profound concern over the severe famine spreading across Gaza and the widespread suffering experienced by Palestinians who have taken refuge in Rafah.
Additionally, the resolution demands that Israel “immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in Rafah.” It also condemns the “indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including women and children, and civilian infrastructure” and reiterates the Security Council’s repeated calls for all parties to adhere to international laws designed to protect civilians.
The international community remains on edge as the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. With the US standing firm in its opposition to the proposed resolution, many wonder what the next steps will be for the UN Security Council and how the humanitarian crisis will continue to unfold. The urgency of the situation calls for swift, decisive action, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges and geopolitical complexities.
As the world watches, the need for a resolution that brings lasting peace to Gaza and addresses the humanitarian crisis grows increasingly paramount. The coming days will likely reveal much about the international community’s ability to navigate these complex and deeply rooted conflicts.
