Will the Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Make a Difference?

Resolutions don't implement themselves

The Security Council finally passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution was crafted by the so-called “E-10.” These are the ten non-veto-wielding elected members of the Security Council who can sometimes band together and shame the P-5 into taking action they might otherwise veto. In this case, the United States cast a decisive abstention, marking the first time that the Biden administration opted not to veto a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution cleverly adopts the formula long insisted upon by the United States, that a ceasefire must coincide with the release of hostages and increased humanitarian access for Gaza. Here’s the key text from the first operative paragraph of the resolution:

“Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuri…