UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire

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Recently UNSC resolution 2488 has been passed calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Ongoing conflict in Gaza

Gaza strip- It is home to about 2 million Palestinians, many of them displaced after leaving or being driven from Israel during the War of Independence.
Armistice agreement- It was signed during Arab-Israeli war 1948 which led Gaza strip to be administered by Egypt.
Suez crisis, 1956- Israel captured Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip but withdrew under international pressure in 1957.
1967 six day war- Israel gained territory including Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights (Syria).
Camp David Accords 1978- It was established after Yom Kippur War 1973, it brought an end to the conflict between Israel and Egypt.
2023 war- Hamas, a terror group has launched surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli military embarked on an extensive aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip followed by a large-scale ground invasion.

Gaza

UNSC adopts a resolution tabled by its 10 non-permanent members (E-10) demanding a ceasefire in Gaza by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with United States abstained from voting.
The urgency of the issue is underscored by the recent veto by Russia and China of a US-sponsored resolution that sought an immediate and sustained ceasefire.
The resolution demands an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages.
It meant that Israel was now “under an obligation, essentially, to stop its military campaign for the next 15 days” — the duration of the remainder of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan,
Russia- UNSC rejected a Russia-proposed amendment that would have called for a permanent ceasefire.
Israel’s stand- Israel has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the US abstention during the vote, viewing it as a departure from the US's traditional support in the UN and a move that could undermine Israel's efforts in the conflict with Hamas.
Israel said that the draft’s lack of condemnation of Hamas is “a disgrace”.
Palestine- They welcomed the adoption of the resolution, saying it was a step in the right direction.
The resolution represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the aim of providing a stage for sustainable peace.

Legally binding- As per UN Charter, resolutions passed by the Security Council are indeed legally binding on all 193 member nations.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the resolution “must be implemented”, adding that “failure would be unforgivable”.

Restore humanity-The resolution demands not only a ceasefire but also the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Relief to Gaza- As more than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and conditions under Israeli siege and bombardment have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
Famine threat- As per report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine could strike Gaza between mid-March and May if hostilities continue and essential supplies are not provided.
Enforcement challenges-Despite the binding nature of such resolutions, enforcement remains a challenge and often depends on the willingness of the conflicting parties to comply and the UNSC’s ability to enforce its decisions.
Legal validity- South Korea has raised concerns about the legal validity of resolution citing the absence of the word “decide” and its non-adoption under the charter.

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