5 Things to Know: December 22 - Unfiltered Edition
Gear up and push through your day with these factoids. Here's what's making headlines.
1. Israel-Hamas Tensions
The United States may support a UN resolution urging a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aiming to enhance humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. However, a U.S. veto could prevent the resolution's acceptance. Although the U.S. has reservations about the UN's proposed oversight mechanism for aid delivery, the number of Palestinian fatalities since October 7, 2023, has reached 20,000, alarmingly close to a hunger crisis.
2. U.S.-Mexico Border Crisis
President Joe Biden is intensifying pressure on President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico to participate in addressing the escalating border crisis, which has resulted in closed ports and overwhelmed resources. More than 10,000 migrants illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border daily since recently, a figure not seen since before Title 42 restrictions were lifted.
3. Extreme Weather
Extreme weather systems are affecting parts of South California, causing torrential rain and flooding concerns. Swaths of the region have been ravaged by heavy downpours, leading to road damage and over 15 cm of rainfall in certain areas since Wednesday. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to grapple with the fallout of "the deadly storm" that hit the east coast, leaving widespread damage, including swamped streets and power outages.
4. Prague University Shooting
14 people were killed and 25 others injured in a shooting that took place at a Prague university on Thursday. The identity of the 24-year-old gunman remains undisclosed as police are working to uncover his motives. The incident occurred at the Faculty of Philosophy of the Charles University in the heart of the city, which is popular with tourists.
5. Rudy Giuliani Bankruptcy
Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City, filed for bankruptcy, reporting $500 million in debt. Few days before filing for bankruptcy, a jury ordered Giuliani, whose political clout surged as former President Donald Trump's attorney, to pay nearly $150 million in defamation damages to two of his ex-campaign staffers in Georgia.
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Enrichment Data
The United States' stance on a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza is complex and has evolved over time.
Initial Veto:
- Initial Veto: The U.S. initially vetoed a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This veto was exercised on February 16, 2025, when the resolution was put forward by the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC. The U.S. argued that the resolution did not explicitly call for the immediate release of hostages, which the U.S. deemed essential for a ceasefire[3].
Shift in Position:
- Abstention: However, on February 18, 2025, the U.S. allowed a UN resolution demanding a cessation of hostilities in Gaza to pass by abstaining. This indicates a shift in the U.S. stance, suggesting that pressure from other countries and international organizations is influencing U.S. policy[1].
Key Points:
- Linkage of Ceasefire and Hostage Release: The U.S. had previously sought to link a ceasefire with the release of all hostages, which was a condition set by Israel. This linkage was rejected by other countries, who insisted that both demands should be addressed independently[1].
- Operative Clause: The final resolution that passed combines the demands for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages into a single operative clause without linking the two issues. This resolution emphasizes the need for humanitarian access and compliance with international law regarding detained persons[1].
Veto Power:
- Veto Power: The U.S. has the power to veto any resolution in the UNSC, which it has historically used to block resolutions critical of Israel or those calling for Palestinian statehood. The veto power is held by the five permanent members of the UNSC, including China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States[2][3].
In summary, while the U.S. initially vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire, it later abstained from a similar resolution, indicating a shift in its stance. The U.S. veto power remains a significant factor in blocking UNSC resolutions, particularly those critical of Israel.
