US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield looks on as Algeria's Ambassador to the UN Amar Bendjama and Chinese Ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun raise their hands for a yes vote on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East on Mar 25, 2024. MELBOURNE: Ceasefires are a uniquely complicated tool in armed conflict. This is because they exist at the intersection of war, law and politics.
It also remains to be seen whether the Israeli government will comply with the resolution and if so, in what ways. Even before the war began - but particularly since the Hamas attack on Oct 7 - Israel has been imposing obstacles on humanitarian aid entering Gaza during the inspection and distribution process. It continues to frequently, and seemingly arbitrarily, reject the entry of supplies such as anaesthetics, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, sleeping bags, dates and maternity kits.
According to media reports, Israel has accepted an American compromise for the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli hostages. But media reports indicate it is currently refusing to commit to a permanent ceasefire. Arguably, foreseeing a similar scenario, Israel has arrested thousands of Palestinians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank on minor offences in recent months. Hamas continues to hold around 100 hostages, the majority men and many reservists in the Israeli military.