After more than five months of Israel’s war on Gaza, and at least three vetoed draft resolutions for a ceasefire (by the US), the United Nations finally passed a “temporary ceasefire” resolution. 

The UN Security Council passed the resolution tabled by its 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Marta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland. It was passed by four other permanent members, but the U.S. abstained. 

The White House has made it clear, however, that its abstention from the vote does not represent a change in policy. Meanwhile, Israel has predictably chosen to ignore the resolution. Will there finally be a consequence for it doing so? Time will tell. 

Foreign Affairs minister, Naledi  Pandor recently delivered a strong, thought-provoking message on the Gaza crisis, and the International Court of Justice decision, to her brothers and sisters at a local masjid in South Africa. Click Here to hear her powerful words.