The recent US veto against a proposed UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has sparked debate and prompted the use of a rare United Nations resolution as a potential solution to end Israel’s devastating war on Gaza. On Monday, Egypt and Mauritania invoked Resolution 377A (V), also known as “Uniting for Peace”, to call for an emergency meeting of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday. This resolution allows the UNGA to step in when the UNSC fails to maintain global peace due to lack of unanimity, although its recommendations are legally nonbinding.
Resolution 377A (V) was adopted in 1950, during the Korean War, to empower the General Assembly to convene a meeting and make recommendations for collective measures, including the use of armed force if necessary, when the Security Council is deadlocked. It was a response to the Soviet Union’s obstruction of the Security Council’s efforts to stop the war. While the resolution has been utilized on several occasions since then, it has only resulted in the recommendation of force once, during the Korean crisis.
The recent call to invoke Resolution 377A (V) comes after the US vetoed multiple Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The US argues that an immediate ceasefire would allow Hamas to recover and continue posing a security threat to Israel. However, critics argue that Israel’s ground and air assaults have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, with more than 80% of the casualties being civilians.
The use of Resolution 377A (V) raises questions about its effectiveness, as its recommendations are not legally binding. It remains to be seen if the UN General Assembly’s collective action, if agreed upon, will include more extreme options such as military action. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has already warned the Security Council that Israel’s war on Gaza is a global threat and has called for a humanitarian ceasefire, despite the veto.
The invocation of Resolution 377A (V) has gained momentum online and sparked discussions about the UN’s power to intervene in conflicts. While the resolution may not have immediate legal consequences, it serves as a means to exert pressure on the involved parties and draw attention to the ongoing crisis.
As the global community continues to criticize Israel’s actions and demand an end to the violence, the UN’s role in resolving the conflict remains crucial. The emergency meeting of the General Assembly will provide an opportunity for member states to voice their concerns and potentially propose collective measures to address the situation in Gaza. While the outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, the use of Resolution 377A (V) underscores the international community’s determination to find a solution and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
