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The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday afternoon on a draft resolution that calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, without linking the truce to the release of hostages, according to reports from Israeli media.
This proposal has been developed by a group of ten non-permanent members of the council, with Guyana’s delegation formally submitting the resolution.
However, the outcome of the vote remains uncertain, particularly concerning the position of the United States, which holds veto power.
The proposed resolution has sparked a heated debate, as the US, a key player in the Security Council, has not yet made its stance clear.
In a bid to secure Washington’s support, council members have reportedly been working on formulating the resolution’s language in a way that could prevent the US from vetoing it. However, with the vote scheduled for Wednesday, the US’ response remains a critical factor in the resolution’s prospects.
This resolution follows a similar proposal from June, where the US, despite its usual support for Israel, voted in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza along with a demand for the release of hostages.
That resolution, however, did not result in immediate changes on the ground, as Security Council resolutions are generally not binding. Instead, they are considered declaratory, lacking enforcement power unless followed up by specific actions.
The main thrust of the current resolution is to call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, without conditions tied to hostage release, which is likely to add further complexity to the negotiations within the council.
The United States, historically a strong ally of Israel, has supported Israel’s right to defend itself while also calling for humanitarian assistance to the region.
However, its position on a full ceasefire, particularly one that does not tie the truce to the resolution of hostage situations, is expected to be the decisive factor in whether the resolution passes.
One of the key issues surrounding the resolution is the potential for further action by the Security Council should parties fail to comply with the ceasefire.
The Council could, in the future, impose binding measures, including sanctions on Israel, if the resolution is ignored. This potential outcome is a point of concern for Israel, which has emphasized its security needs in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The resolution’s implications extend beyond the immediate political maneuvering within the UN. A successful vote in favor of the ceasefire could have significant consequences for the international community’s response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
However, much will depend on whether the United States is willing to support the resolution or whether it will exercise its veto power, a move that could further heighten tensions within the Security Council.
The situation is fluid, and the outcome of Wednesday’s vote is likely to have far-reaching implications for both international diplomacy and the future of peace efforts in the Middle East. As the vote approaches, the focus will remain on Washington’s position and the broader impact of the Security Council’s decision on the conflict.