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The UN Security Council has made a historic decision on the conflict in Gaza. The resolution is to demand that the parties lay down their arms during the celebration of Ramadan, provide humanitarian aid and release all hostages. The historic aspect of this decision is that the US did not veto it. The USA abstained from voting and thus blocked the resolution. The US has blocked similar resolutions for far too long. A ceasefire is now up to Israel.

A change in Biden’s strategy

The American president has supported Israel, almost uncritically. Joe Biden has done as previous US presidents have done, giving Israel unconditional support. At least the support has been unconditional until this decision in the UN Security Council. The US has tried to put some pressure on Israel recently, but without success. The fact that the US did not block the ceasefire decision may signal a change. The US is unlikely to support Israel’s actions in Gaza.

For Joe Biden, this is an incredibly difficult issue. Support for Israel is high in the US and with a presidential election only a few months away, not supporting Israel without reservations is a very difficult exercise. Biden’s opponent Donald Trump and his Republican Party support Israel without reservation. Support for Israel is also strong in the Democratic Party, but more and more people believe that the US must pursue a slightly different policy towards Israel. Especially among younger Americans, skepticism towards Israel is growing.

The fact that the US did not block the resolution is historic and very brave of Joe Biden. How voters react remains to be seen.

A ceasefire is up to Israel

Now it is actually up to Israel whether they want to comply with the UN Security Council. The responsibility now lies squarely on Israel. The US’s unconditional support for the war in Gaza is probably history. If they do not comply with the Security Council resolution, Israel may lose some of the economic and military support from the US. This could quickly become very dangerous for Israel.

Through its actions in Gaza, Israel may lose even more of its international support. It’s time to face facts, nothing can justify Israel’s presence in the Gaza Strip.

Sources:

UN Security Council demands immediate Gaza ceasefire after US abstains (msn.com)

Israel Gaza war: Moment UN Security Council passes ceasefire resolution (bbc.com)

Gaza: Security Council passes resolution demanding ‘an immediate ceasefire’ during Ramadan | UN News