Opposition, Optics, and Opportunities

In a recent United Nations Security Council session, a U.S. sponsored resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire to the genocide in Gaza was vetoed by Russia and China. The vetoing nations argued that the resolution's wording was ambiguous and did not align with the demands of the international community. This veto highlighted broader tensions between major powers, with the U.S. facing criticism for perceived leniency towards “Israel” amidst the escalating slaughter in Gaza.  A point of dispute was the resolution's language, which stated that the Security Council “determines the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire.” This wording was described as lacking the directness of a demand to stop aggressions.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the resolution's language, accusing the U.S. of engaging in a political exercise aimed at domestic optics rather than meaningful international diplomacy. Nebenzia said, “The American product is exceedingly politicized, the sole purpose of which is to help to play to the voters, to throw them a bone in the form of some kind of a mention of a cease-fire in Gaza … and to ensure the impunity of Israel, whose crimes in the draft are not even assessed.”

Similarly, China's Ambassador Zhang Jun argued that the U.S. proposal set unrealistic preconditions and failed to meet the expectations of the council and the broader International Community. “If the U.S. was serious about a cease-fire, it wouldn’t have vetoed time and again multiple council resolutions,” he said. He further asserted that, “it wouldn’t have taken such a detour and played a game of words while being ambiguous and evasive on critical issues.”

The vetoing of the American sponsored resolution underscored the complex dynamics at play.  Biden is cautious not to undermine the Zionist entity’s position and worried of how his stance might impact his electoral prospects while the international community faces mounting pressure to find a path towards a viable cease-fire. The United States has been working to facilitate a hostage exchange deal and establish a cease-fire as a pathway to resolving the conflict. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu's unwavering refusal to accept any proposals put forth by the United States concerning the political settlement jeopardizes not only President Biden's electoral prospects but also risks accelerating the Zionist’s military actions without proper restraint, potentially leading to serious consequences for both. There is no clear victory in sight for the Security Council, the U.S. and the Zionist entity.

Only we, the Ummah of Islam, can attainment true victory, which lies not in securing a cease-fire, but rather in Jihad through the mobilization of the military forces of the Muslim world to liberate Palestine. This will further exploit the evident disunity among the major powers and harness the widespread support among the people for a truly free Palestine.

We stand at pivotal moment in history to bring about a change that establishes our Khilafah (Caliphate), which represents us, oversees our affairs, preserves our dignity, protects our blood, confronts our enemies, liberates our lands, unites us, and provides a merciful and just alternative to the current oppressive and merciless world order.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Haitham Ibn Thbait
Media Representative of Hizb ut Tahrir in America