Context: 

The United States rejected a proposed resolution (Algerian-draft resolution)  in the UN Security Council regarding the Israel-Hamas war, preventing a call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

About Algerian-Draft Resolution

• The Algerian-drafted resolution is a proposed resolution by Algeria.
  • It aims to seek an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• 13  members of the council supported the resolution, while Britain abstained from voting.

Voting on Algeria-Draft Resolution in UNSC

• Palestinians’ right to life: Voting in favour of the draft acknowledges the Palestinians’ right to life.
• Violence and collective Punishment: On the other hand, voting against it indicates approval of the severe violence and collective punishment imposed on palestinians. .

Reasons for U.S. Opposing the Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire Resolution Algeria-Draft Resolution

• Hostage Negotiations Concerns: 

  • The resolution drafted by Algeria did not tie the ceasefire to the release of hostages. 

• Seeking a Long-term Solution:

  • Permanent Solution: Instead of a temporary pause, the U.S. wants a ceasefire that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
  • Security concern: US advocates for a lasting ceasefire that considers the security concerns of both sides.

• Preference for Ongoing Diplomacy:

  • The U.S. was already involved in diplomatic negotiations with Egypt, Israel, and Qatar.
    • The US believed these efforts were more effective than the Algerian resolution.

• Concerns about Hamas:

  • The U.S. views Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
  • They were concerned that the resolution didn’t address the need to weaken Hamas militarily.

• Israel’s Right to Self-defence:7

• • While acknowledging civilian casualties, the U.S. affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
  • Lack of humanitarian aid: They argued that the resolution didn’t adequately balance humanitarian aid with Israel’s security needs.

Concept of Veto Power in the UN

• Permanent Members and Veto Power:

  • Veto power to its five permanent members: The UN Security Council grants special veto power to its five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Status of nuclear-weapon states: These countries also hold the status of nuclear-weapon states as per the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

• Scope of Veto Power:

  • “Substantive” resolution: Permanent members can veto any “substantive” resolution, which are significant decisions.
    • However, their abstention or absence doesn’t prevent the adoption of a draft resolution.

• Exceptions to Veto Power:

  • Veto power does not apply to “procedural” votes, which are decisions about how the Council operates.
    • Permanent members themselves determine what constitutes a procedural vote.

• Selection of Secretary-General:

• • A permanent member can block the selection of a Secretary-General.
    • Formal veto isn’t necessary for this, as the vote happens privately behind closed doors.

News Source: Indianexpress