Eye on the Middle East | With the End of Ramzan Nearing, Has the UNSC’s Call for a Ceasefire Helped?
A week has passed since the United Nations Security Council called for a ‘Ramadan ceasefire’ in Gaza, following at least four failed attempts—thrice due to the US veto, and once due to the Russian-Chinese joint veto. However, with the death toll in Gaza now closing in on 33,000, Israel has maintained its military campaign relentlessly. Neither has Hamas committed to the immediate and unconditional release that the resolution calls for. With the month of Ramadan nearing its end, questions arise: Has the UNSC’s resolution been in vain?
Unfulfilled Promises and Continuing Conflict
The March 25 resolution was expected to create binding obligations on Israel to halt its military campaign. Yet, the death toll in Gaza approaches 33,000, highlighting a sobering reality. Despite international efforts, including a significant milestone where the United States abstained from using its veto power—allowing the resolution to pass with a 14-0 vote—the intended ceasefire remains elusive.
Insights from Tweets and Public Reactions
The resolution, despite being labeled as “non-binding” by the U.S., stirred diverse reactions across the globe.
Israel will not stop on its own, Israel will not run out of money. Israel is ignoring an ICJ order and a binding UNSC resolution right now.
So how does the world plan to end the genocide in Gaza? What options are left?
— Sarayu Pani (@sarayupani) April 3, 2024
This comment, reflecting disappointment in the resolution’s effectiveness, underscores the complex dynamics at play and the skepticism surrounding international interventions.
🚨 🇵🇸 UNSC APPROVES CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION FOR GAZA.
14 of 15 members voted yes, the US abstained.
Russia sought to add “permanent” to the ceasefire which was rejected by the US.
The U.S. is calling the resolution “non-binding” aka toothless.
Genocide Joe is still at it.
— Danny Haiphong (@SpiritofHo) March 25, 2024
Meanwhile, the rejection of adding “permanent” to the ceasefire by the U.S., as highlighted in this tweet, further demonstrates the challenging path towards a sustainable peace in Gaza.
Global Response and the Path Forward
The mixed reactions to the UNSC resolution reflect a broader context of geopolitical interests, humanitarian concerns, and the search for lasting peace. Countries like Pakistan have expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the urgent need for its implementation to provide respite for the Palestinian people after months of bloodshed.
Pakistan welcomes the #UNSC resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We urge urgent implementation of the resolution and hope the Palestinian people will have much needed respite after months of bloodshed and massacre of over 30,000 innocent civilians.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 25, 2024
However, the efficacy of such resolutions remains a topic of debate, as the violence persists and the death toll rises. The challenge lies not only in the adoption of resolutions but also in their enforcement and the commitment of the international community to uphold them.
The Role of the UNSC and International Law
The debate surrounding the binding nature of Resolution 2728 highlights a fundamental issue—the enforcement of international law and the role of powerful nations within the UNSC. Critics argue that international law appears formidable against the less powerful, yet remains seemingly impotent when confronted with the actions of global superpowers.
UNSC resolutions are international law. So, when Biden administration claims that Resolution 2728, which "demands" an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, is non-binding, it highlights a harsh truth: International law is powerful against the powerless, but powerless against the powerful.
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) March 28, 2024
This dichotomy raises questions about the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing conflicts and implementing meaningful resolutions that lead to peace and justice.
In conclusion, as the month of Ramadan nears its end, the ceasefire in Gaza appears to be far from realization. The UNSC resolution, while a symbol of international concern, has yet to translate into actionable change on the ground. The ongoing conflict, coupled with the complex interplay of international relations and legal obligations, presents a daunting challenge to peace efforts in the region. The global community continues to watch, hope, and advocate for a resolution that not only calls for peace but achieves it.