Julian Borger, reporting in the Guardian, suggests that the US abstention from the March 25, 2024, resolution of the UN Security Council proposing a ceasefire for Ramadan, release of hostages, and increased aid to Gaza marks a rift with the Netanyahu government. A post on March 19, 2024, Writing on the Wall around Gaza, identified concerns about international humanitarian law particularity in the concepts of discrimination and proportionality in the plans of Israel to go ahead with an attack on Rafah.
The US abstention marks a rift with the Netanyahu government, reflecting mounting frustration in Washington at the prime minister’s defiant insistence Israeli forces will go ahead with the Rafah attack, and at continued Israeli hindrance of humanitarian aid deliveries.
While the resolution demands a temporary ceasefire during the remainder of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, it adds that it should lead to a “lasting sustainable ceasefire”. In a late amendment demanded by the US, the word “lasting” was substituted for “permanent”, to Russian objections. A Russian effort to restore the word “permanent” was defeated by 11 votes to three.
At the last minute on Monday morning, the US asked for an amendment adding a condemnation of Hamas for its attack on Israel on 7 October leading to urgent huddles of diplomats on the chamber floor, but dropped that demand when it became clear the amendment would be resisted. (Borger, n.d.)
The UN secretary general, António Guterres, has called on the resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to be implemented, adding that “failure would be unforgivable”.
A social media post by Guterres reads:
The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable. (Israel-Gaza Live: UN Security Council Passes Resolution Calling for Immediate Ceasefire, as US Abstains, n.d.)
The resolution of the UN Security Council sets a challenge for Israel to continue to be aligned with conscientious action to move toward peace and the protection of civilian lives in Gaza.
References
Borger, J. (n.d.). Israel-Gaza live: UN security council passes resolution calling for immediate ceasefire, as US abstains. the Guardian Live. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/25/israel-gaza-live-unrwa-aid-north-gaza-un-security-council-vote-ceasefire-middle-east-latest#top-of-blog
Israel-Gaza live: UN security council passes resolution calling for immediate ceasefire, as US abstains. (n.d.). the Guardian Live. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/25/israel-gaza-live-unrwa-aid-north-gaza-un-security-council-vote-ceasefire-middle-east-latest#top-of-blog
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