The United Nations has been actively involved in addressing the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, with several resolutions proposed in recent months aimed at establishing a ceasefire. However, differing language in each resolution has created a seesaw of efforts with no balance in site. Most recently with a US lead resolution being voted down by China and Russia.
In February 2024, a draft resolution that sought an "immediate ceasefire" was vetoed by the United States. The US expressed concerns over the wording of the resolution, particularly the use of the term "immediate." This incident highlighted the challenges faced by the UN Security Council in reaching a consensus on the approach to the Gaza-Israel conflict.
Subsequently, in March 2024, the United States circulated a new draft resolution. This draft emphasized the importance of an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" but framed it as an imperative rather than an immediate demand. The language used in this draft aimed to balance the urgency of the situation with the complexities of diplomatic negotiations.
A revised version of the US draft resolution introduced stronger language regarding the need for a ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. This draft, which was set to be voted on, indicated a shift towards a more assertive stance on the issue.
Additionally, the 10 elected members of the Security Council prepared an alternative draft resolution. This draft explicitly called for an "immediate ceasefire" and focused on the protection of civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages. The introduction of this alternative draft underscored the diversity of perspectives within the Security Council and the ongoing efforts to find a viable path to peace.
The UN General Assembly also engaged in discussions following the US veto in February, under a process that allows for debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council. While these discussions did not result in a new resolution, they served as a platform for expressing the global call for an immediate ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing to evolve. The outcomes of the upcoming votes and the potential introduction of alternative resolutions will play a critical role in shaping the UN's response to the Gaza-Israel conflict.
sources
With record of Gaza truce vetoes, US unveils new, ambiguous UN resolution | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera
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Navigating Ceasefire Efforts in the Gaza-Israel Conflict: A UN Seesaw
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by ML SHAW
The United Nations has been actively involved in addressing the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, with several resolutions proposed in recent months aimed at establishing a ceasefire. However, differing language in each resolution has created a seesaw of efforts with no balance in site. Most recently with a US lead resolution being voted down by China and Russia.
In February 2024, a draft resolution that sought an "immediate ceasefire" was vetoed by the United States. The US expressed concerns over the wording of the resolution, particularly the use of the term "immediate." This incident highlighted the challenges faced by the UN Security Council in reaching a consensus on the approach to the Gaza-Israel conflict.
Subsequently, in March 2024, the United States circulated a new draft resolution. This draft emphasized the importance of an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" but framed it as an imperative rather than an immediate demand. The language used in this draft aimed to balance the urgency of the situation with the complexities of diplomatic negotiations.
A revised version of the US draft resolution introduced stronger language regarding the need for a ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. This draft, which was set to be voted on, indicated a shift towards a more assertive stance on the issue.
Additionally, the 10 elected members of the Security Council prepared an alternative draft resolution. This draft explicitly called for an "immediate ceasefire" and focused on the protection of civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages. The introduction of this alternative draft underscored the diversity of perspectives within the Security Council and the ongoing efforts to find a viable path to peace.
The UN General Assembly also engaged in discussions following the US veto in February, under a process that allows for debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council. While these discussions did not result in a new resolution, they served as a platform for expressing the global call for an immediate ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing to evolve. The outcomes of the upcoming votes and the potential introduction of alternative resolutions will play a critical role in shaping the UN's response to the Gaza-Israel conflict.
sources
With record of Gaza truce vetoes, US unveils new, ambiguous UN resolution | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/21/with-record-of-gaza-truce-vetoes-us-unveils-new-ambiguous-un-resolution
UN Security Council to vote Friday on US resolution on Gaza ceasefire | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-bring-resolution-calling-ceasefire-gaza-vote-un-friday-2024-03-21/
Israel-Hamas war: U.S. submits draft U.N. resolution calling for immediate Gaza cease-fire
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-gaza-cease-fire-rcna144395
What did the US’s vetoed Gaza ceasefire resolution say? | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/us-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-explainer
US, EU ratchet up pressure on Israel over Gaza ceasefire; UN vote planned | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/22/us-eu-ratchet-up-pressure-on-israel-over-gaza-ceasefire-un-vote-planned