UN Security Council Considers Intervening in the Israel-Gaza War

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is weighing potential actions if a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel is not reached, Slovenia’s UN envoy, Samuel Žbogar, said on Tuesday.
“There is growing anxiety in the Council. It must act one way or the other—either securing a ceasefire or exploring other options to achieve one,” Žbogar stated.
His remarks reflect the international community’s dwindling patience with the stalled mediation efforts. Žbogar indicated that September could be the decisive month for intervention, “one way or another.”
In June, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2735, proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, mediation efforts—primarily led by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt—have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.
On Monday, President Biden expressed frustration, stating surprisingly candidly that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “was not doing enough” to broker peace between the two sides.
When asked about potential actions available to the Council, Žbogar suggested moving beyond Resolution 2735, noting that its implementation had proved impossible since its approval just two months ago.
The U.S.-drafted resolution, which Hamas initially expressed willingness to implement, outlined a three-phase plan to secure a ceasefire. Fourteen of the 15 Security Council members supported the resolution, with only Russia abstaining.
Tensions flared last week between the U.S. and Russia at the conclusion of a UNSC meeting. Russian UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy questioned amendments made to the resolution by the U.S., suggesting they were designed to “accommodate its ally, Israel.”
“We have repeatedly requested this information because Resolution 2735 includes specific parameters, and we cannot act outside of them,” Polyanskiy argued.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood responded: “The issue is implementation. The framework is there.”
He added pointedly, “My recommendation to you and your government is this: If you’re going to contribute positively, do so. If not, it’s better to stay quiet.”