By Qamar Bashir
In a remarkable turn of events, Israel found itself facing unexpected diplomatic
pressure as the United States chose not to exercise its veto power against a
ceasefire resolution championed by ten nations led by Mozambique. The resolution
garnered the support of 14 members of the UN Security Council, with the US
abstaining. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire during a sacred period,
with the ultimate aim of achieving a permanent and sustainable cessation of
hostilities. Furthermore, it demanded the immediate and unconditional release of
all hostages, underscoring the necessity of humanitarian access to address their
medical and other urgent needs.
This development signaled a significant shift in the international community's
stance on the conflict, highlighting a growing consensus towards prioritizing peace
and humanitarian considerations in resolving the ongoing crisis.
The shift in the US stance towards the ceasefire resolution primarily stems from
multiple factors. Firstly, the enduring and relentless nature of Israel's military
campaign in Gaza,
Secondly, with impending elections on the horizon, the US President's concerns
over potentially alienating Muslim voters, as well as support for a ceasefire from
diverse religious, racial, and ethnic groups, influenced the decision-making process
in Washington. The mounting frustration within US political circles at the Israeli
Prime Minister's unwavering stance on military actions, particularly the planned
Rafah attack, further compounded the situation.
Moreover, Israel's ongoing massacre, hindrance of humanitarian aid deliveries
exacerbated tensions and raised humanitarian concerns globally, prompting the US
to reassess its approach.
Israel incessantly and unlawfully pounding Gaza, hitting schools and hospitals and
reducing large parts of neighborhoods to rubble. It unlawfully used white
phosphorus in densely populated areas. Forced evacuation of all people from
northern Gaza and displacing 1.9 million people. Unlawful killing of over 30,228
Palestinians most of them civilians, including 25000 women and children
stemming from Israel’s regular use of excessive lethal force and extrajudicial
executions.
The sweeping unlawful collective punishment by imposing restrictions on the
movement of people and goods deprived the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza of
their right to freedom of movement and opportunities to better their lives; severely
limited their access to electricity, health care, and water; and devastated the
economy. Israeli authorities also held 2,873 Palestinians in administrative
detention, without charge or trial based on secret information.
More than 46,000 housing units have been destroyed and 234,000 others damaged,
accounting for 60 percent of the housing stock in Gaza. At least 342 schools have
been damaged, 187 “attacks on health care” were carried out, damaging 24
hospitals.
These atrocities are in utter violation of the established principles of Geneva
Conventions designed to ensure the protection and dignity of all individuals
affected by armed conflict. Civilians, regardless of age, including children and the
elderly, are entitled to special care and must be shielded from deliberate harm.
Hospitals and medical personnel are protected. Civilian property such as
households, places of worship, and industrial facilities are safeguarded from
deliberate targeting. It prohibits collective punishment and emphasizes individual
accountability for actions taken during conflict.
The convergence of these factors ultimately compelled the United States to abstain
from vetoing the ceasefire resolution, marking a significant departure from its
previous staunch support for Israel's actions.
Israel's response to international appeals, UN resolutions, and pressure from the US
reflects a deep-seated determination to pursue its own strategic objectives in the
Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite widespread calls for moderation and humanitarian
considerations, Israel has remained steadfast in its military actions against
Palestinians in Gaza.
It even started hurling accusations at the US for US persistent advocacy for a two
state solution and allowing humanitarian aid to enter into Gaza and warned that
with or without the support of US, Israel would continue warfare and annexation of
Palestinian territory, underscore Israel's uncompromising stance on key issues such
as the two-state solution and the provision of humanitarian aid.
By canceling a planned trip to Washington and rebuking the US for its perceived
interference, Israel demonstrates its frustration with what it views as insufficient
support for its military operations and broader objectives in the region.
Big Question is what is next after the passing of the resolution if Israel refuses to
abide by the resolution.
This concern was put to writing by the UN secretary general, António Guterres,
who in his tweet said quote, “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”.
The UNSC has many arsenals in its armory which could be used to implement the
UNSC resolution, if any of the party fails to abide by it as when the UNSC issues
a resolution mandating a ceasefire between two countries, it signifies a collective
international effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
However, if one of the involved nations refuses to adhere to the provisions outlined
in the resolution, a cascade of diplomatic, economic, and potentially military
consequences may ensue.
Initially, diplomatic pressure and condemnation from the UNSC and other member
states could intensify, urging the non-compliant country to honor the ceasefire
agreement.
Concurrently, economic sanctions may be imposed, targeting vital sectors of the
non-compliant nation's economy to compel compliance. This combination of
diplomatic and economic measures aims to exert significant pressure on the non-
compliant nation and encourage a return to peaceful negotiations and adherence to
the UNSC resolution.
In more severe cases where the refusal to comply persists, the international
community may escalate its response. This could involve the authorization of
military intervention by the UNSC to enforce the ceasefire resolution and restore
order.
Additionally, the non-compliant country may face further isolation on the
international stage, with repercussions extending to legal consequences for
breaches of international law.
However, unfortunately, numerous resolutions passed by the United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) including those passed on Indian Illegally Occupied
Jammu and Kashmir have remained unimplemented for various reasons. These
include the lack of enforcement mechanisms, political obstacles stemming from
opposing interests among member states, resource constraints, challenges in
securing cooperation among multiple parties, and the evolving nature of conflicts
and geopolitical dynamics. Additionally, resolutions may face difficulties in
implementation when they involve non-state actors or address issues beyond the
control of the UNSC.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of UNSC resolutions hinges on factors such as
political will, international cooperation, enforcement mechanisms, and the
evolving circumstances surrounding conflicts and crises. When these factors align,
resolutions are more likely to be successfully implemented, but when they are
lacking, resolutions may remain unimplemented or only partially implemented.
The upcoming test will gauge the resilience and determination of the international
community in confronting the actions of a single, albeit influential, nation: Israel.
Whether the collective efforts of the international community will prevail over the
policies of Israel remains to be seen, with time serving as the ultimate arbiter of this contentious struggle.
