A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a United Nations body. A resolution must be voted on by the whole membership of the General Assembly and requires a majority of votes in favor to pass; if it concerns “important questions of international peace and security, admission of new members, suspension of rights and privileges of membership, expulsion of members, operation of the trusteeship system, or budgetary questions” a two-thirds majority is required. Resolutions typically follow a common, relatively strict format. They are the result of a long, collaborative process and typically go through several drafts before they reach a vote.
This resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict. It also demands that the Israeli government respect Palestinians’ right to self-determination. It draws false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, undermines diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire that reflects realities on the ground, and emboldens Hamas to carry out future October 7 attacks.
The Security Council’s veto powers are often criticized for fueling deadlock and protecting the geopolitical interests of its permanent members (the P5) at the expense of international peace and security. This article explores the history of the veto, and explains why reform is vital to the effectiveness of the United Nations.
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