Gaza: UN Security Council Adopts US Cease-fire Proposal
Gaza: UN Security Council Adopts US Cease-Firefire Proposal
The Facts
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution endorsing a US-backed ceasefire proposal that aims to end the eight-month Israel-Hamas war.
The UN Security Council on Monday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution endorsing a US-backed cease-fire proposal that aims to end the eight-month Israel-Hamas war.
The Spin
The resolution's adoption is a significant success for US diplomacy. However, but doubts remain, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has already indicated that he will continue military operations until Hamas is defeated. Moreover, parts of the Israeli government reject elements of the plan, which is in line with what Hamas demanded in a previous round of failed negotiations and also provides for a two-state solution.
While it now plays peacemaker, the US used its veto power to block several earlier resolutions calling for an immediate Israeli-Hamas cease-fire. Also, Washington abstained from a March vote, enabling the adoption of a cease-fire resolution. Meanwhile, another US veto blocked a Palestinian application for full UN membership. It can hardly be assumed that Washington will now pressure Israel to agree to the resolution.
