United Nations Override Coalition Formed to Challenge U.S. Vetoes Supporting Israel's Protections
The Lifeline for Palestine coalition, led by former US presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein, was launched on Friday with a mission to push for UN sanctions on Israel. The coalition's website can be found at www.lifelineforpalestine.com.
In a historic move, the coalition is calling for a strong resolution that includes a military embargo, comprehensive sanctions, stripping Israel's UN credentials, establishing a war crimes tribunal, and implementing anti-apartheid mechanisms.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) requires a two-thirds majority, or 127 of its 193 members, to take extraordinary action under "Uniting for Peace". This resolution was first used in 1950 to authorise military action in Korea when the Security Council was deadlocked.
Last year, 124 nations approved a resolution demanding Israel withdraw from Gaza and the West Bank by Sept. 28, 2025. The coalition's efforts aim to build on this momentum and push for more decisive action.
In the face of a Security Council veto or failure to act, any member state can call for an emergency special session of the General Assembly under "Uniting for Peace". Egypt and several Arab and Muslim-majority states have historically used this resolution to bypass the Security Council regarding Israel, proposing sanctions, suspension, arms embargoes, and peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank.
The webinar's participants criticised the US denial of visas to Palestinian leaders for the UNGA's 80th session in New York later this month. Palestinian-American journalist Ali Abunimah criticised UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for failing to challenge the US decision.
Craig Mokhiber, a former UN human rights official, explained that UN member states have the legal authority to circumvent the Security Council and impose sanctions on Israel. He went on to say that Israel's actions in Gaza are more violent and oppressive than those of apartheid South Africa.
Stein stated that pro-Palestine activists have the power to end the genocide in Gaza. The coalition will hold a follow-up webinar on Sunday to continue the discussion and build support for their campaign.
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