A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of UN organs, including the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council. Resolutions often contain two parts: a preamble that recites the considerations upon which the resolution rests, and an operative part that expresses an opinion or lays out a course of action. The resolutions of the main UN bodies are published as individual documents. They are also often included in annual or sessional compilations.

Resolutions require a majority vote, unless they deal with “important questions”, such as admission of new members to the United Nations, the suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, the expulsion of members, the operation of the trusteeship system or budgetary matters. Resolutions on important questions are usually voted on by the General Assembly and require a two-thirds majority to pass, while those of the Security Council must be adopted unanimously.

The process of drafting a resolution begins with counsellors from the member’s permanent mission in New York that specialise in the issue at hand and consult with other missions, regional groups and the country concerned. The aim is to reach agreement on the text of a draft resolution that addresses the matter at hand, whether it calls for action to end a conflict, approve a peacekeeping mission or impose sanctions and is in line with the mandate of the Security Council stipulated by Article 25 of the Charter.

The United States and Israel vetoed this draft resolution calling for the immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the full opening of all Palestinian borders to allow humanitarian access, and an end to the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and factories. It also affirmed the importance of accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and urged all UN bodies to incorporate a consistent focus on women’s empowerment into their work.