US says ceasefire resolution non-binding; less influential Security Council members object

The resolution passed earlier today by the UN Security Council is not legally binding, the US asserts.

“It’s a non-binding resolution, so there’s no impact at all on Israel’s ability to continue to go after Hamas,” White House National Security Council John Kirby says in a press briefing, echoing a stance made after the vote by US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

The position appears to be shared by South Korea and other members as well.

However, Algeria, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone have all disputed this interpretation.

Given that the US can block members from trying to sanction Israel for failing to abide by the resolution, Washington’s interpretation seems to carry more weight.

Accordingly, it demonstrates the highly limited influence the UN has when weighing into conflicts around the world.