Qatar called on the United Nations General Assembly to take a more comprehensive stance on the veto power based on its role in maintaining international peace and security, by continuing to use the “Uniting for Peace” initiative, under Resolution No. 377.

On December 12, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly held an emergency special session to demand an immediate end to the Gaza war, after the United States used its veto against a similar move in the Security Council. The session was held under Resolution No. 377 “Uniting for Peace,” which is used on an exceptional basis.

She stressed the importance of taking measures to stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

This came according to what Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, stated on Wednesday before the General Assembly at its headquarters in New York regarding the use of the veto, according to a statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

Bin Youssef pointed out that "Qatar's interest in the veto initiative reflects its firm awareness of its importance in embodying the important role of the General Assembly in accordance with the United Nations Charter, which granted it jurisdiction over matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security."

She referred to the "Uniting for Peace Initiative established under General Assembly Resolution No. 377."

The Qatari delegate stressed that it "represents an important step in the framework of strengthening the role of the General Assembly in maintaining international peace and security."

She stressed "the need for the General Assembly to continue to play this role, and to continue to discuss issues in which the veto is used within the most comprehensive representative body in the United Nations."

The Qatari delegate explained that "the role of the General Assembly has grown significantly with regard to maintaining international peace and security, since the adoption of General Assembly Resolution No. 377."

She stressed that "the 'Uniting for Peace' initiative helped formulate a more effective and integrated relationship between the two bodies (the General Assembly and the Security Council) within the framework of maintaining international peace and security, especially in light of the (Security) Council's inability to carry out its role and responsibilities in responding to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the use of the veto by permanent member states."

In the same speech, Qatar also called on the United Nations General Assembly to take the necessary measures, in accordance with its mandate, to ensure an immediate cessation of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, by implementing its relevant resolutions.

On November 3, 1950, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution allowing a special session to be held within 24 hours with the participation of members of the General Assembly if there appeared to be a threat or breach of international peace and security if the Security Council was unable to act due to the use of the veto. No country in the General Assembly has the right to veto, unlike the Security Council, and its decisions are considered non-binding, but they have political and diplomatic weight.

On Wednesday evening, the United States again used its veto against a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all prisoners.

The draft resolution was supported by 14 of the 15 council members, but was not adopted due to a veto by the United States, one of the five permanent members of the council along with Britain, France, China and Russia.