In response to ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2728 demanding an immediate cease-fire. The resolution also called for the release of hostages and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. However, the impact of this resolution remains uncertain as Israel’s government has condemned it and continues its military campaign against Hamas, the militant group responsible for the latest attacks. Despite the resolution, there has been no apparent shift in the fighting on the ground, with Israel continuing airstrikes and Hamas launching attacks.
The Security Council has limited means to enforce its resolutions, such as imposing sanctions against violators. Legal experts debate whether resolutions are binding on member states, especially those not adopted under Chapter VII of the U.N. charter which deals with threats to peace. The U.S. abstention from voting sends a signal of its policy priorities, but also suggests that the resolution may not be viewed as a binding order by some. While the resolution is considered to be international law by the United Nations, some countries disagree on its coercive nature under Chapter VII.
Israel controls the flow of aid into Gaza, and despite the resolution, Gazans are facing severe hunger crisis. Aid organizations blame Israel for impeding the delivery of aid through inspections and restrictions, while Israel argues it is working to prevent aid from reaching Hamas. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza has not significantly increased since the resolution, indicating little change in the aid situation. Aid distribution in Gaza has been further complicated by lawlessness and violence in the territory.
Diplomatic efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not yielded results. Mediators have been attempting to bridge the gap between the two parties, but Hamas rejected Israel’s counterproposal following the resolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues that the resolution has set back negotiations by emboldening Hamas to demand better terms. The main point of contention in negotiations has been the release of Palestinian prisoners serving extended sentences for violence against Israelis.
The resolution has not seemed to impact the fighting on the ground, with Israel continuing its military operations in Gaza. The Security Council’s limited enforcement capabilities and differing interpretations of the resolution’s binding nature have also raised doubts about its effectiveness. Aid delivery into Gaza has not significantly increased despite the resolution, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in the territory. Diplomatic efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not yielded results, with both parties still far from reaching an agreement. The resolution’s impact on diplomatic negotiations remains uncertain as both sides remain entrenched in their respective positions.
