UNSC adopted resolution to call for pause in Gaza

UNSC adopted resolution to call for pause in Gaza

Subject :IR

Section: International organisation

Context: UN Security Council adopts resolution calling for urgent humanitarian pauses

More about the news:

• The UN Security Council has adopted its first resolution since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in Gaza.
• The resolution was rejected by Israel, and the vote was 12-0, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia abstaining.
• The US and UK abstained due to the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas’ cross-border attacks, while Russia abstained because it didn’t demand a humanitarian cease-fire, contrary to Israel and the US’s stance.
• The resolution, sponsored by Malta, emphasizes humanitarian pauses and the release of hostages,overcoming previous differences.
• However, it doesn’t mention specific events such as the October 7 attacks in Israel or Israel’s response in Gaza.
• The resolution is the first on the Palestinian territories since 2016, and Israel criticized it as disconnected from reality.
• The resolution calls for humanitarian pauses, corridors in Gaza, and compliance with international law to protect civilians, especially children.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to report on its implementation on November 28.
• Israel rejected the resolution, stating it is meaningless, and UN Security Council resolutions are legally binding but may be ignored by parties.
• The General Assembly passed a similar resolution on October 27, with Israel agreeing to four-hour pauses on November 9, but limited aid delivery has occurred, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
• The Security Council’s resolution aims to provide respite but might not have a significant impact, with the US likely urging Israel for more flexibility on aid issues.

What is UNSC Resolutions:

• A United Nations Security Council resolution is a United Nations resolution adopted by the fifteen members of the Security Council 
• The UN Charter specifies in Article 27 that a draft resolution on non-procedural matters is adopted if nine or more of the fifteen Council members vote for the resolution, and if it is not vetoed by any of the five permanent members.
• The term “resolution” does not appear in the text of the United Nations Charter.
• Resolutions by the Security Council are legally binding.
• In instances where the council fails to achieve consensus or secure a majority vote for a resolution, an alternative option is the issuance of a non-binding presidential statement. Such statements are adopted through consensus, serving as a means to exert political pressure. They act as a cautionary signal that the Council is closely monitoring the situation, with the implication that additional actions might be taken in the future.

Some more facts about UNSC:

• The Security Council was established by the UN Charter in 1945. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
• The other 5 organs of the United Nations are—the General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
• Its primary responsibility is to work to maintain international peace and security.
• The council is headquartered in New York. 
• UNSC has 15 members of which 5 are permanent and 10 are non-permanent members. Non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.
• Five permanent members are- US, UK, France, Russia, and China.
• It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.