A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a specific United Nations body. They follow a standard, relatively strict format, and are published online once approved (or rejected). Resolutions can be either substantive or procedural. Substantive resolutions are non-binding on member states; however, resolutions that deal with important questions such as admission of new members to the United Nations, suspension or expulsion of members, operation of the trusteeship system or the question of the city of Jerusalem may require a two-thirds majority for passage.
Procedural resolutions are binding on the United Nations itself, for example regarding voting procedures within the Security Council. They are numbered and are preceded by the prefix “E/RES” followed by the year, for example E/RES/2016/12. The General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the Trusteeship Council each have their own resolution numbersing systems.
It is inexplicable that many of the members of this Council persist in refusing to acknowledge that Hamas could end this war tomorrow if it simply recommitted to disarming, releasing its hostages and laying down its arms. This resolution, like all its predecessors, is a product of the stale thinking that permeates the UN and too many of its member states. It is an insult to our close ally Israel and is therefore a nonstarter. It also undermines the delicate diplomacy underway in Gaza to achieve a ceasefire. We call on the Council to hold itself to a higher standard.