The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, but the question remains: will it have any real impact on the ongoing conflict, or is it just a political statement?
Resolution 2728, which passed by 14 votes after the United States abstained, also calls for the release of all hostages and the end to barriers to humanitarian aid. However, Israel’s government condemned the vote, and initial reports suggest that the resolution has not changed much on the ground or led to diplomatic progress.
Senior Israeli officials have stated that they will continue their military campaign until they have dismantled Hamas’ military wing, despite the call for a cease-fire. The air strikes from Israel and attacks from Hamas have not ceased since the resolution was passed.
If Israel does not comply with the resolution, the U.N. has limited options for enforcement. Punitive measures such as sanctions could be imposed, but any further action would require a new resolution and consent from the veto-holding members, including the United States.
The flow of aid into Gaza remains controlled by Israel, leading to a severe hunger crisis in the territory. Aid groups have accused Israel of impeding aid deliveries, while Israel argues that it is working to prevent aid from reaching Hamas.
Diplomatically, Israel and Hamas are still far from reaching a negotiation for a cease-fire and an exchange of hostages. Mediators have been working to bridge the gap, but Hamas rejected Israel’s latest proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming that the resolution has set back negotiations.
Overall, the resolution may have little immediate impact on the conflict in Gaza, with both sides continuing their military actions and diplomatic efforts still facing significant challenges.
