Arab Nations Push for UN Cease-Fire Resolution in Gaza, Despite Expected US Veto
Arab nations are making a bold move at the United Nations, putting forth a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. While they are aware that the United States will veto the resolution, they hope to demonstrate global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The Security Council has scheduled a vote on the resolution, which is expected to take place at 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) on Tuesday.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has stated that the Biden administration will veto the Arab-backed resolution, as it may interfere with ongoing U.S. efforts to arrange a deal between the warring parties. The U.S. is working towards a six-week halt to hostilities and the release of all hostages taken during Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7th.
In a surprising move ahead of the vote, the United States has circulated a rival resolution that supports a temporary cease-fire in Gaza, linked to the release of all hostages, and calls for the lifting of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The U.S. draft resolution states that these actions would help create conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood has expressed that the Arab-backed resolution is not an effective mechanism for achieving their goals of getting hostages released, increasing aid, and securing a lengthy pause in the conflict. He suggests that the U.S. draft provides another possible option and that they will be discussing it with their allies.
A senior U.S. official has stated that they do not believe in rushing to a vote and intend to engage in intensive negotiations in the coming days. They recognize the urgency of the situation but have not set a timeline for the vote.
Arab nations, supported by many of the 193 U.N. member countries, have been demanding a cease-fire for months as Israel’s military offensive in response to the Hamas attack has intensified. The number of Palestinians killed has surpassed 29,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Tunisia’s U.N. Ambassador Tarek Ladeb, chair of the 22-nation Arab Group, has emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire.
The Arab-backed draft resolution not only demands an immediate cease-fire but also calls for the release of all hostages, rejects the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, and demands unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza. It reiterates the council’s demand that Israel and Hamas comply with international law and condemns all acts of terrorism.
The U.S. draft resolution sends a tough message to Israel, stating that its planned major ground offensive in Rafah should not proceed under current circumstances. It warns that further displacement of civilians, potentially into neighboring countries like Egypt, would have serious implications for regional peace and security.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has explained that the United States has been working on a hostage deal for months. President Joe Biden has had multiple calls with Netanyahu, as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, to push the deal forward. She believes that the deal remains the best opportunity to free the hostages and provide lifesaving aid to Palestinians in need.
The Security Council members have been negotiating on the Arab-backed resolution for three weeks. The Arab Group decided to put their resolution in its final form for a vote after feeling that they had given the U.S. enough time. If the U.S. casts its expected veto, the Arab Group could take their resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, where it is likely to be approved. However, assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
Following the veto, the Security Council will likely begin discussions on the U.S. draft resolution. This draft goes beyond condemning Hamas’ attack and also condemns their hostage taking, killing, murder, and sexual violence, including rape. Some council members have previously blocked the condemnation of Hamas in resolutions on Gaza.
The U.S. draft resolution does not name Israel directly but condemns calls for the resettlement of Gaza and rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change that would violate international law. The Security Council will have to navigate these complex issues as they work towards a resolution that can bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
