Can a UN-Backed International Security Force Rescue the Gaza Ceasefire?

Plus: Drama at the International Maritime Organization and a new push to revise the UN Charter

UN trucks enter Gaza during the ceasefire © WFP/Jaber Badwan

The ceasefire in Gaza is hanging by a thread. Israel has accused Hamas of slow-walking the return of the bodies of dead hostages, and Israel has threatened to suspend aid into the enclave. Hamas, meanwhile, killed two Israeli soldiers, and Israel responded with a deadly airstrike. There is now a race underway to mobilize an international security force for Gaza, comprised of troops from around the world, before the ceasefire unravels. To that end, the Security Council is deep into negotiations around authorizing this force. But even if the Council approves such a mission, will it actually deploy? Mark and Anjali have their doubts.

Also this week: the Trump administration blew up a global deal to put a price on carbon in international shipping — a move that would have pushed the industry toward zero emissions. Mark and Anjali break down this latest clash between Washington and the U.N.

Those conversations are in this episode of To Save Us From Hell and available only to our subscribers. But first, Anjali and Mark sit down with Heba Aly, director of a new coalition called Article 109, which is taking on a bold mission: reforming the U.N. Charter itself. Article 109 is a little-known provision of the Charter that enables member states to review and revise it — but it’s never been invoked. So, is now the right time to open up the U.N. Charter to review? What would that actually entail? And is it even a good idea? Listen and learn!

The full episode is available for our paying subscribers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your show. It is also available immediately below the fold.