The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2728 calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, but its impact remains uncertain. The resolution was passed after the United States abstained from voting, and it also called for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid access. Israel condemned the vote, and there has been little change in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas since the resolution was passed.
Israel has stated that it will not abide by the resolution and will continue its military campaign until it dismantles Hamas’ military wing. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and attacks from Hamas have continued unabated. The Security Council has limited enforcement capabilities, and any further measures would require a new resolution with consent from veto-holding members like the United States.
Legal experts debate whether Security Council resolutions are binding on member states. The resolution demanding a cease-fire did not explicitly mention Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, which deals with threats to peace. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations stated that the resolution was nonbinding, indicating that the passage of the resolution was more of a political statement than a binding order. The U.S. abstention sends a signal of its policy priorities, suggesting that further steps by the Security Council are unlikely.
Israel controls the flow of aid into Gaza, and despite the resolution calling for unhindered humanitarian access, little has changed on the ground. Gazans are facing a severe hunger crisis, with aid groups blaming Israel for impeding aid deliveries through inspections and restrictions. The ongoing conflict has also contributed to the difficulties in aid distribution in Gaza, with convoys often facing violence. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza has significantly decreased since October 7.
Diplomatically, Israel and Hamas remain at odds over negotiations for a cease-fire and a potential prisoner exchange. Mediators have been working to bridge the gap between the two sides, but Hamas rejected Israel’s latest counterproposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that the resolution has set back negotiations by emboldening Hamas to demand better terms. The release of Palestinian prisoners has been a major sticking point in the cease-fire talks, with U.S. and Israeli officials citing it as a key issue.
