The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a resolution condemning attacks by Hamas and other groups from the Gaza Strip, as well as any violence against civilians.
The resolution comes after the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched a series of air and ground attacks on Hamas-controlled Gaza following the shooting of an Israeli battalion commander in the West Bank last month. The response has been criticized by the international community as being disproportionate and causing massive destruction and civilian casualties.
The resolution is sponsored by the United Kingdom and France, and is backed by the United States. It calls for international support for a cease-fire and for an international investigation into the events of the past weeks to be carried out by the UN Commission of Inquiry. The resolution also stresses the need for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the region and for all countries to respect the integrity of borders and cease all aggressive acts.
This resolution has faced several protests. Supporters of the resolution argue that it is necessary to curb the violence caused by terrorists groups, and to keep civilians safe. Detractors of the resolution say that it does not go far enough in protecting civilian lives, and that the resolution does not put enough pressure on Israel to cease its offensive actions and to return to negotiations with Palestine.
The resolution is a part of a long-term attempt by the UN to find a solution to the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. Over the years, international law has been used to try to bring about peace between the two nations, though with little success. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the conflict often involves civilians as well as combatants. Whether the resolution will be successful in bringing a cease-fire or leading to peace negotiations remains to be seen.