Thread by @huwaidaarraf

BREAKING: Egypt & Mauritania have invoked UNGA Res 377 - Uniting for Peace - to address Gaza genocide.

Res.377 states that if UN Security Council, due to lack of unanimity of permanent 5 members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility to act to maintain intnl peace & security, the GA can promptly address the issue.

Emergency session set for Tues. Dec.12 #CeaseFirelnGazaNOW

To answer some questions I saw and provide a bit more context, 1) No, the US cannot veto this. It can vote against it, but no country has veto power in the General Assembly. The US can, however, use bullying tactics such as threatening aid to certain countries, in order to pressure them to vote against the resolution.

2) Will this do anything? UN Res. 377 was originally introduced by the US in 1950 as a way of circumventing Soviet veto re Korean War. It has the potential to be effective, BUT the members have to agree on collective action. Although unlikely, Res.377 even allows member states to agree on use of military force. However, text of the resolution to be voted on, posted by @Raminho does not give any indication that measures to compel compliance have or are being contemplated.

3) Remember, on Nov 15, the UNSC (by a vote of 12-0) passed a binding resolution for extended humanitarian pauses. Israel immediately condemned it and declared it was not going to abide. No actions have been taken to compel Israel to abide, just like no actions have been taken to compel Israel to abide by the many UNSC resolutions that it stands in violation of.

4) The resolution calls for immediate, unconditional release of hostages but fails to call for the release of Palestinian hostages held by Israel.