UN Security Council Demands Immediate Ceasefire for the First Time Amidst Ongoing Israel-Gaza Conflict
The resolution, which demands an “immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan that leads to a “lasting” truce, went through, with all other 14 Security Council members voting yes.
Image Source: The Hindu
The US has pressed Israel to do more to get aid delivered to Gaza, where it says the entire population is suffering from food insecurity. Source: Reuters
In a historic move, the United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in the protracted conflict that has engulfed the Middle East for over five months. The resolution, passed on Monday, marks a significant shift in the Council’s stance, as it is the first time such a demand has been made.
The catalyst for this unprecedented action was the abstention of the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, which had previously exercised its veto power to block similar resolutions. The Council’s other 14 members rallied behind the resolution, emphasizing the urgency of peace during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The resolution not only seeks an immediate cessation of hostilities but also aims for a lasting, sustainable ceasefire. It specifically calls for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and other militant groups during the conflict, a critical step toward de-escalation.
However, the road to consensus was not without obstacles. Russia, in a last-minute move, raised objections to the removal of the term “permanent” from the ceasefire language. Their dissent led to a vote, but unfortunately, the altered resolution failed to secure unanimous approval.
Algeria, currently representing the Arab bloc on the Security Council, played a pivotal role in drafting the successful resolution. Surprisingly, the coalition of countries supporting the ceasefire included not only traditional Middle Eastern allies but also nations like Slovenia and Switzerland.
The United States, despite its history of vetoing previous ceasefire attempts, has displayed mounting frustration with Israel’s actions. Concerns escalated when Israel announced plans to escalate its military operations in the densely populated city of Rafah. In a notable shift, the U.S. proposed a resolution last Friday recognizing the “imperative” of an “immediate and sustained ceasefire.”
However, this new text faced opposition from Russia and China, who joined Arab states in criticizing its failure to explicitly demand that Israel halt its campaign in Gaza. The delicate balance between supporting Israel through military aid and expressing discontent with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership has put the U.S. in a tight spot.
As civilian casualties continue to mount in the Gaza Strip, the Security Council remains deeply divided over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The call for an immediate ceasefire represents a glimmer of hope, but the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
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