UN ceasefire resolution on the Israel-Gaza conflict

As the United Nations Security Council urgently convened on 21st February 2024 against the backdrop of intensified clashes between Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza, the United States opted to solo veto a strongly-worded draft resolution calling for immediate ceasefire – attracting global criticism.

Contents of the Ceasefire Resolution

The initial resolution was introduced two weeks ago by Algeria, the designated Arab UNSC member, demanding:

• Instant imposition of a humanitarian truce in Gaza war zones ([1])
• Halting of Israeli military actions constituting potential genocide as indicated by a January ICJ ruling ([2])
• Unconditional release of Palestinians held hostage by Israel ([3])

The text seemed inspired by President Biden’s recent urging of truce and avoidance of civilian deaths.

First Official Ceasefire Push under Biden Administration

Though eventually blocked, the separate draft tabled by the US for the first time did incorporate the word “ceasefire” under Biden presidency – signifying an indirect policy shift. It pressed for mutual halting of Gaza strikes by both sides to alleviate deepening humanitarian pressures and allow unfettered aid access. ([4])

Rationale Presented Behind Exercising Veto

US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield clarified that Washington vetoed the initial draft resolution as the wording could hamper ongoing Egypt and Qatar led backchannel negotiations between IDF and Hamas to broker temporary Gaza truce and hostage exchange. ([5])

Her claims were immediately refuted by Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki who confirmed no such talks are underway currently. ([6])

Warning against Mounting Ground Offensive

US counter resolution draft explicitly cautioned Israeli authorities against launching threatened wide-scale ground invasions into Gaza city of Rafah that defense experts predict can entail months of deadly urban warfare – significantly escalating civilian fatalities. ([7])

International Reactions to the US Blockade

14 UNSC members including UK voted to urgently cease IDF’s strikes on Gaza which has inflicted 29,000+ casualties till date - illustrating America's isolation. Key ally UK however abstained in voting. Algeria and Arab partners slammed the US for repeatedly obstructing ceasefire efforts enabling unchecked Israeli aggression. ([8])

Israel welcomed steadfast support from the US against UN ceasefire demands that it feels emboldens terrorist groups like Hamas. ([9])

Recent Clashes & Casualties in Israel-Gaza War

• Israel under PM Netanyahu began heavy airstrikes on Gaza on 7th Oct 2023 post a Hamas-led border attack that killed 17
• This escalated into a full-blown ground invasion of Gaza on 27th Oct with the military aim to definitively destroy capabilities of Hamas and other Gaza militant groups
• The combined Gaza blockade has killed over 28,500 Palestinians so far including near 11,000 children as per UN human rights body estimates ([10])

Facing rising allies’ discontent and global criticism for enabling prolongation of Gaza crisis having devastating humanitarian implications, the US may find it diplomatically untenable to continue solo resistance to UN ceasefire interventions. An eventual Gaza truce facilitated by Egypt may emerge as a compromise for the US.

References

[1] Times of Israel [2] Al Jazeera [3] Reuters [4] The Guardian [5] France24 [6] Middle East Monitor [7] Washington Post [8] BBC [9] Haaretz [10] OCHA Report