A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a United Nations organ. Any body of the United Nations can issue a resolution, but most are issued by the Security Council or the General Assembly. Resolutions are generally accompanied by decisions, which are textual acts that record the approval of a decision and have the same legal status as the resolution.
This resolution, drafted by the Security Council’s ten elected members, was meant to address threats to international peace and security. It sought to address the conflict between Israel and Hamas by calling for a ceasefire, the release of all prisoners, and the deployment of a multinational force to protect civilians. It was blocked by the U.S., which utilised its veto power to support Israel.
In this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirms its conviction that “the right of return is an inalienable and fundamental right of all Palestinian refugees and their descendants.” It also reiterates the need for Israel to withdraw from all occupied territories.
The United States seeks to ensure that UN documents and programming reflect the fact that men and women are biologically distinct, with different sexes having unique needs, interests, and abilities. Therefore, we will continue to use language that is consistent with our policy to recognize two sexes, male and female, and to refer to them in gender-specific terms. For more information, see the Women and Gender page.
About the Author
