UN Security Council to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amid US Opposition; ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders

September 18, 2025
UN Security Council to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amid US Opposition; ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
  • The US's veto in June, aimed at protecting Israel, caused significant frustration among other council members and highlighted ongoing divisions over how to handle the Gaza conflict.

  • While most Security Council members support the new resolution, the US's opposition remains a major obstacle, but diplomats emphasize the importance of continuing efforts to pressure Israel.

  • UN investigator Navi Pillay has described the targeting of Palestinians in Gaza as akin to genocidal tactics, with dehumanizing rhetoric used by Israeli officials, and has called for accountability.

  • Pillay's investigation, which has compared the situation in Gaza to the Rwanda genocide, has led to the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant, though enforcement remains difficult.

  • Pillay plans to present her findings to the UN General Assembly before leaving her role in November due to health concerns, emphasizing ongoing efforts to seek justice for alleged war crimes.

  • The conflict escalated after Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered over two months of intense fighting and devastation in Gaza.

  • Pillay has highlighted that international pressure can be pivotal in achieving accountability, drawing from her own experiences with systemic injustice in South Africa.

  • Since mid-May, Israel has restricted aid entry into Gaza, which the UN criticizes, especially after declaring a famine in the territory in August, based on recent UN reports.

  • The UN investigation has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, with specific Israeli leaders implicated in inciting such acts, a claim Israel strongly denies.

  • Despite her health issues, Pillay intends to continue advocating for justice and accountability through her upcoming presentation to the UN General Assembly.

  • The new UN resolution seeks to demonstrate international effort despite the likelihood of a US veto, with European diplomats stressing the importance of persistent pressure on Israel.

  • Most Security Council members support a draft resolution demanding the lifting of aid restrictions, an unconditional ceasefire, and the release of hostages, contrasting with earlier efforts focused solely on humanitarian aid.

  • The UN Security Council is preparing to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian access, despite opposition from the United States, which has previously vetoed similar measures.

Summary based on 3 sources


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