Among the 15 members of the security council, 14 voted in favor of the resolution, while the United States abstained from voting.
The U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. supports the “critical objectives” of the resolution.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield: “A ceasefire could have come about months ago if Hamas had been willing to release hostages months ago. Instead, Hamas continues to stand in the way of peace.”
Ramadan ends on April 9, about two weeks from today. Many countries hope to extend the ceasefire period following this resolution. Even though the United Nations does not have the means to enforce the resolution, USC Professor Laurie Brand stresses it takes more than just calling for a ceasefire. Actual implementation must follow.
Laurie Brand “It’s only a step. I don’t want to say that it’s only symbolic, but it has to be backed up by other measures that states will take. The ball is really in the U.S.’ court to bring its various forms of leverage to bear on Israel to basically bring a ceasefire.”
The U.S. has vetoed several similar resolutions since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Recently, the U.S. has become increasingly critical of Israel and more outspoken on the war. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech earlier this month. She called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the territory.
[Kamala Harris] “There is a deal on the table and, as we have said, Hamas needs to agree on that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire, let’s reunite the hostages with their families, and let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”
Last Friday, the U.S. also proposed a resolution, but the draft was vetoed by China and Russia. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN said the U.S. draft is “misleading” as it stated an “imperative” rather than demanding a ceasefire. Again, USCs Professor Brand states the importance of wording.
Brand: “It’s really important to parse the language, because diplomats spent a long time working out exactly how they want to say what they say. So that was seen by a number of states as representing not a real commitment to a ceasefire.”
In response to the US’s decision to abstain from voting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his delegation’s planned upcoming visit to Washington D.C. National Security Communications. Advisor John Kirby said the White House is “perplexed” by Netanyahu’s decision, as the U.S. did not change its policy
For Annenberg Media, I’m Makayla Idelburg.