UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urgently called for a ceasefire in the escalating Gaza conflict, with the UAE presenting a draft resolution to the Security Council in support of the appeal. The US opposes further action from the Council and instead advocates for intense diplomacy to secure hostage releases, increase humanitarian aid, and improve civilian protection measures.
What is the UN’s position on the escalating Gaza conflict?
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, highlighting the urgency due to rising fatalities and the lack of civilian protection. The UAE has presented a draft resolution echoing Guterres’ appeal, aiming for Security Council backing to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
UN Secretary-General’s Appeal for Ceasefire
In an unprecedented move, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a formal warning to the Security Council regarding the escalating conflict in Gaza, marking a critical global concern. This initiative comes as Arab nations rally behind Guterres’ alert, hoping to leverage it to secure a Council-backed ceasefire within days.
The United Arab Emirates presented the Council with a succinct draft resolution, grounded in Guterres’ communication, that appeals for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. To pass, the resolution requires at least nine affirming votes and must avoid a veto from any of the Council’s five permanent members, namely the United States, Russia, China, France, or Britain.
US Opposition and Diplomatic Strategy
Robert Wood, the Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations, conveyed that the United States is currently not in favor of the Security Council taking further action. The US maintains its focus on intense, nuanced diplomacy aiming to facilitate more hostage releases, enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and improve civilian protection measures.
The US and its ally, Israel, stand against a ceasefire, arguing it would predominantly favor Hamas. Instead, Washington endorses temporary halts in combat to shield civilians and allow for the release of hostages seized by Hamas during the lethal attack on Israel on October 7.
The UAE’s draft resolution garners backing from the Arab and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) blocs. The UAE mission to the UN, on a platform previously known as Twitter, emphasized the resolution is both a moral and humanitarian imperative, urging all countries to support the Secretary-General’s plea.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour revealed Arab ministers’ plans to deliberate the draft resolution with US officials in Washington. “A ceasefire has to take place, and it has to take place immediately,” he emphasized, with Arab UN ambassadors by his side.
Historical Precedent and Humanitarian Concerns
The Security Council last abstained from a veto, allowing a resolution calling for pauses in the fighting to be adopted. Following this resolution, a week-long pause led to some hostages being released by Hamas and an uptick in humanitarian aid to Gaza, ending on December 1.
Guterres’ letter to the Council, invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter, marked the first use of that authority in decades, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The Secretary-General underscored the potential for the conflict to exacerbate existing threats to international peace and security. He reiterated the necessity for a humanitarian ceasefire, stressing the dire circumstances in Gaza where “nowhere is safe for civilians.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, criticized Guterres for his approach to the Security Council, alleging that the call for a ceasefire essentially serves to perpetuate Hamas’ terrorist activities in Gaza.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over the regional and global security risks posed by the conflict. “We are committed to preventing this conflict from spreading,” he said during a press briefing.
The Human Toll of the Conflict
The conflict’s toll has been devastating, with Israel reporting 1,200 fatalities and 240 hostages from the October 7 attack by Hamas. In retaliation, Israel has intensified its military response against Hamas in Gaza, employing airstrikes, a siege, and a ground offensive.
On the Palestinian side, the Gaza Health Ministry cites over 16,000 deaths to date in the densely populated enclave. Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the absence of effective civilian protection in Gaza, intensifying the urgency for international intervention and support.
What is the UN’s position on the escalating Gaza conflict?
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, highlighting the urgency due to rising fatalities and the lack of civilian protection. The UAE has presented a draft resolution echoing Guterres’ appeal, aiming for Security Council backing to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
What is the US’s stance on the Gaza conflict and what is their strategy?
The US opposes further action from the Security Council and instead advocates for intense diplomacy to secure hostage releases, increase humanitarian aid, and improve civilian protection measures. They believe that temporary halts in combat are necessary to protect civilians and allow for the release of hostages seized by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel.
What is the historical precedent for pauses in the fighting and why is there concern for humanitarian issues?
The Security Council has previously abstained from vetoing a resolution calling for pauses in the fighting, leading to the release of some hostages by Hamas and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. UN Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, marking the first use of that authority in decades, to draw attention to the potential threat to international peace and security posed by the conflict. The lack of effective civilian protection in Gaza has intensified the need for international intervention and support.
What is the human toll of the conflict?
Israel has reported 1,200 fatalities and 240 hostages from the October 7 attack by Hamas. In response, Israel has intensified its military actions against Hamas in Gaza. On the Palestinian side, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 16,000 deaths in the densely populated enclave. The lack of civilian protection has further emphasized the need for international intervention.
