By Kasper Sturtz

Among the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Representatives working tirelessly to find a resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict, a few are attempting to direct the Council’s attention to another issue facing the UNSC: the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. 

Since the first session, Representative Luke Wagner of France has advocated for Lebanon by working with their fellow Member States to write a resolution to provide aid to Lebanon. Their proposed resolution would include a variety of suggestions, some of which seem inoffensive and acceptable by most Member States, such as providing humanitarian aid and investing in infrastructure for Lebanon.

Some among the Council, however, brought up concerns: namely, the suggestion of expanding the monitoring on the southern border. Both Representatives of Malta asked for further information, worrying that monitoring technology could result in racial profiling, as well as concern that the technology would be misused. Representative Wagner quickly dissuaded this concern, stating that they hope enough Member States would be involved that this would not be possible. Representative Wagner said the “UN has endorsed [this technology] for a long time.”

During the morning session on Sunday, France continued to try getting the UNSC’s attention onto Lebanon., Representative Wagner said they “doubt [the UNSC] would reach a consensus [on Palestine] by noon anyway.” Representative Wagner points out that the UNSC has been addressing Israel and Palestine for 70 years, but the UNSC has never passed anything to aid Lebanon.

Representative Claire Czajkowski of Slovenia offers an alternative view. They explain how the root cause for the conflict in Lebanon overflows from the Israel-Palestine conflict. Therefore, in order to solve the former, we need to solve the latter. However, they note that it would be reasonable to come up with a plan to prevent further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon while the UNSC works on a resolution for a ceasefire in Palestine. This sentiment was also echoed by Representative Andrew Murphy of Russia when Representative Wagner asked about Lebanon during the press conference on Palestinian membership.

At about 4:20 pm yesterday evening, France’s resolution regarding aid for Lebanon was passed to the cheers of the entire UNSC. Meanwhile, only half an hour later, Palestine’s UN membership was rejected as Representative Mel Pardock of the United States has made clear that Palestinian membership will never be a reality for as long as the United States holds veto power.