ADVERTISEMENT
Indian-American lawmakers welcome ceasefire call by UNSC
The USA abstained from voting at the UNSC
Pramila Jayapl (left) and Ro Khanna (right) remarked on the recent call for Gaza ceasefire by the UNSC / / X - @RepJayapal and @RepRoKhanna
In a significant breakthrough, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages.
The United States abstained from the vote while the remaining 14 council members voted in favour of the resolution, which was proposed by the 10 elected members of the council.
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, chair of the US Progressive Caucus, characterized the recent UNSC vote for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza as an important step, stressing Washington’s abstention as a key factor in its passage.
She emphasized the significance of Security Council resolutions, highlighting their legally binding nature and status as international law. While acknowledging the Council’s limited enforcement capabilities, Jayapal suggested, “While the Council has no means of enforcing the resolution, it can impose additional punitive measures on Israel.”
In a post on X, Congressman Ro Khanna also brought attention to the significance of the United States changing its policy regarding vetoing resolutions. He stated, "This is a significant change in @POTUS Gaza policy after 3 prior vetoes of the ceasefire resolution. Grassroots activism is making the difference. Moral positions that just a few weeks ago were described as fringe are starting to be vindicated.”
This is a significant change in @POTUS Gaza policy after 3 prior vetoes of the ceasefire resolution. Grassroots activism is making the difference. Moral positions that just a few weeks ago were described as fringe are starting to be vindicated. https://t.co/evJbqCKcPd
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) March 25, 2024
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the UNSC’s decision, expressing strong support for a resolution for Gaza. “The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate & unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued strong criticism of the US, criticizing them for deviating from its original position linking ceasefire to hostage release. “The United States has abandoned its policy in the UN today. Just a few days ago, it supported a Security Council resolution that linked a call for a ceasefire to the release of hostages,” the Israeli government’s statement read,
This divergence prompted Israel to cancel scheduled meetings with US officials, emphasizing its resolve to continue the conflict until all hostages are freed.
They added, “Prime Minister Netanyahu made it clear last night that should the US depart from its principled policy and not veto this harmful resolution, he will cancel the Israeli delegation’s visit to the United States. In light of the change in the US position, Prime Minister Netanyahu decided that the delegation will remain in Israel.”
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login