The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the main body in charge of maintaining international peace and security. One of the Council’s most influential – and controversial – mechanisms is the veto, which allows its five permanent members (the P5) to block the adoption of any resolution, regardless of their level of support. Critics argue that the veto fuels deadlock and protects the geopolitical interests of the P5 at the expense of global peace and security.
A resolution is a proposal for a UNSC decision that states that a specific issue should be addressed. The vast majority of UNSC resolutions are non-binding for all member states, while some resolutions, called “general assembly” resolutions, are binding for the General Assembly only, and can impose obligations on member countries.
While the odds of substantial reform are remote, some smaller states have pushed for procedural changes in the Security Council, such as greater transparency and closer consultations with troop-contributing countries. But any changes would require an amendment to the UN Charter, which requires the affirmative votes of two-thirds of all member states and domestic ratification by those who have veto power.
This resolution undermines diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that reflects the realities on the ground and emboldens Hamas. It also draws false equivalence between Israel and Hamas’ attacks and fails to address the critical need for Israel to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. We urge colleagues to oppose this resolution.
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