Has the fighting been impacted by the UN resolution?
Israeli officials have stated that they reject a cease-fire and emphasize the importance of continuing the conflict until Hamas’ military wing, responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel, is dismantled. As of now, there has been no visible change in the military campaign, with Israel’s air force carrying out strikes on Gaza while Hamas continues to launch attacks.
The Israeli military is continuing its raid on Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, the largest medical facility in the territory. Additionally, it is carrying out an offensive in Khan Younis, the biggest city in the south, where heavy fighting is taking place.
What actions can the U.N. take if Israel does not comply with the resolution?
The Security Council’s ability to enforce its resolutions is limited. It can resort to punitive actions, such as imposing sanctions on those who violate the resolutions. In previous instances, these measures have involved implementing travel bans, economic restrictions, and arms embargoes.
Legal experts explained that in this scenario, any further action would necessitate a new resolution. Moreover, obtaining approval for this resolution would be contingent upon the agreement of all five veto-wielding members of the council, with the United States, Israel’s strongest supporter, among them.
Legal experts debate if all U.N. Security Council resolutions are binding on member states or only those under Chapter VII, which addresses peace threats. Monday’s resolution didn’t mention Chapter VII explicitly but U.N. officials said it’s still binding on Israel, despite disagreement from some countries like South Korea.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized that the resolution was nonbinding. Experts noted that the United States, with its influential permanent seat on the Security Council, likely sees the resolution’s passage as a strategic political tool rather than a mandatory directive.
According to Ivo H. Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, the U.S. abstention effectively communicates its policy priorities, even though the Security Council is unlikely to take immediate additional actions.
Daalder said that neither Israel nor Hamas would be influenced by a U.N. resolution.
Source: The New York Times.
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News
March 29. 2024
