UN security council endorses US-backed hostages-for-ceasefire Gaza deal
GuardianMay 31
Gaza: UN Security Council Adopts US Cease-fire Proposal
Above: Members of the United Nations Security Council during a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question at the United Nations headquarters on June 10, 2024 in New York City. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The UN Security Council on Monday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution endorsing a US-backed cease-fire proposal that seeks to end the Israel-Hamas war, which has gone on for eight months.
Adopted with 14 of the 15 Security Council members voting in favor and Russia — which has veto power — abstaining, the resolution calls on Israel and Hamas to implement the proposal's terms "without delay and without condition."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The resolution's adoption is a significant success for US diplomacy. However, 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.
Establishment-critical narrative
While it now plays peacemaker, the US used its veto power to block several earlier resolutions calling for an immediate Israeli-Hamas cease-fire. 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.