The resolution has passed during ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a deal to release Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire. The sides have failed to reach a deal, although reports from the last few days have been encouraging.

The UN resolution is highly unlikely to result in the release of hostages by Hamas. Throughout the war, UN officials have been consistently and vehemently anti-Israeli, while offering only weak condemnations of Hamas. Security council members Russia and China, who voted in favor of the resolution, have never condemned the horrific attacks on October 7 and denied Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.

This resolution, combined with the ongoing public criticism of Israel, could encourage Hamas to toughen their stance, and undermine the efforts to reach a deal, resulting in tragic consequences for the Israeli hostages and for Palestinian civilians.