Mustapha Tossa
Although the resolution presented by the Arab group to the United Nations General Assembly is not legally binding, it is considered a symbolic and political success for Arab nations within this international framework.
The resolution calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgent support to the beleaguered civilians in Gaza, who have been enduring weeks of relentless bombardment and a tightening blockade that is causing unprecedented humanitarian disasters.
The vote on this resolution was overwhelmingly in favor, with 120 out of 190 countries demanding that Israel cease its shelling of the Gaza Strip and open the way for a humanitarian ceasefire, which the international community could use as a first step towards a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Direct political contacts and the release of Israeli hostages and others detained by Hamas would follow, leading to the establishment of a new negotiating framework that holds the key to the region’s future.
To gauge the extent of the political and diplomatic breakthrough achieved by the Arab group within the United Nations, it is important to recall the outcomes of the European summit held in Brussels last Thursday and Friday. In their final statement, the European leaders did not dare to demand a ceasefire, let alone express a humanitarian commitment.
They merely called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to be opened at exceptional times.
To gauge the extent of the political and diplomatic breakthrough achieved by the Arab group within the United Nations, it is important to recall the outcomes of the European summit held in Brussels last Thursday and Friday. In their final statement, the European leaders did not dare to demand a ceasefire, let alone express a humanitarian commitment.
They merely called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to be opened at exceptional times.
The General Assembly’s resolution on this war and its consequences carries significant political dimensions.
It represents an important development following a series of diplomatic failures within the paralyzed Security Council, primarily due to the dynamics of the veto.
This resolution, which faced opposition from the United States and caused division in European ranks, will exert international pressure on Israel and its international allies.
They will be unable to ignore it in the evolving landscape, especially since the Israeli war machine is currently engaged in military operations that could lead to war crimes and humanitarian disasters that will certainly shock the global conscience.