NEW YORK: On November 3, a coalition of 52 nations, spearheaded by Trkiye, submitted a formal letter to the United Nations advocating for an arms embargo on Israel. The letter also implores the UN Security Council to address what it describes as blatant violations of existing resolutions. Among the signatories are notable countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Palestine, and Brazil, alongside organizations like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to Anadolu Agency, establishing an arms embargo through the UN necessitates a resolution approved by the Security Council, requiring a majority from nine out of its fifteen members, including the assent of all five permanent members: the United States, China, the UK, France, and Russia. Currently, nine arms embargoes are active, targeting regions including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Lebanon, Sudan, South Sudan, and Yemen, alongside fourteen sanction regimes. For a resolution proposal, a Security Council member must draft and submit a text for voting. Given the current context, nations like China and Russia as permanent members, and Algeria as an elected member-with all three having signed the letter-could propose such a resolution. However, it is widely anticipated that the US would exercise its veto power to block any proposal targeting Israel. This expectation is grounded in recent history; since October 7, 2023, the US has vetoed two drafts concerning Israel, one by Brazil for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza and another by the UAE for an 'immediate ceasefire.' This scenario might repeat with the arms embargo proposal, potentially serving as a means to highlight opposition, particularly from the US. Alternatively, the proposal could be presented to the UN General Assembly, where it might gain approval given the assembly's broader representation. However, resolutions passed by the General Assembly lack binding authority, limiting their practical impact. The 52 signato ry nations could also independently impose sanctions on Israel, but this would likely have minimal effect on major arms suppliers like the US and Germany. Notably, some European countries have curtailed arms sales to Israel since October 2023, including the UK and France, while Germany's sales saw a decline in early 2024 before rebounding. Despite the challenges, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian and Russia-Ukraine conflicts underscore the UN's limited capacity to enforce international law against powerful states. However, other UN bodies, including the General Assembly, International Court of Justice, and International Criminal Court, continue to document violations of international law, even if the Security Council remains inactive.