Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour addresses the Security Council on the day of a vote on a Gaza resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday, urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor, while the United States abstained from voting, prompting tension with its ally, Israel. Proposed by the ten elected members of the Council, the resolution was met with applause in the chamber following the vote.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of implementing the resolution, stating that failure to do so would be unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in the United States’ decision not to veto the resolution, viewing it as a departure from previous stances that could hinder Israel’s efforts in the ongoing conflict and its attempts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
White House spokesperson John Kirby clarified that the US abstention did not signify a change in policy, reiterating the nation’s support for Israel. Subsequently, Netanyahu canceled a planned visit to Washington by a high-level delegation to discuss military operations in Gaza.
The US official expressed perplexity at Israel’s reaction, deeming it an overreaction. While the US had previously shielded Israel from resolutions using its veto power, it abstained from the recent vote amid increasing pressure for a ceasefire due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hamas welcomed the resolution, affirming its willingness to engage in immediate prisoner swaps. However, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan criticized the resolution, stating that it misrepresented the origins of the conflict and failed to acknowledge Hamas’s actions.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield noted the US’s support for key objectives outlined in the resolution, despite disagreements with certain aspects, including the absence of condemnation for Hamas. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun emphasized the binding nature of Security Council resolutions, expressing hope that the resolution would bring hope to the people of Gaza.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reiterated the binding nature of Security Council resolutions under international law. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the resolution depends on its implementation, with further action contingent upon compliance.
The resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and emphasized the need to expand humanitarian assistance and protect civilians in Gaza. Secretary-General Guterres urged Israel to facilitate aid delivery into Gaza and permit UNRWA convoys into the northern region of the enclave.
A UN-backed report warned of imminent famine in northern Gaza by May, potentially spreading across the entire enclave by July. Displaced Palestinians expressed hope for a ceasefire to alleviate suffering and allow for the return to normalcy.
The US has previously vetoed three draft resolutions on the Gaza conflict and abstained twice on resolutions aimed at aiding Gaza and calling for temporary ceasefires. Additionally, Russia and China have vetoed two US-drafted resolutions on the conflict.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour described the resolution as a potential turning point that could save lives on the ground.
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