A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a UN body. Resolutions are typically numbered and published in annual or sessional compilations. There are two types of resolutions: substantive and procedural.
For example, UN Resolution 194 (the resolution on the conflict in Gaza) states: “The General Assembly further resolves that all refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so as soon as practicable and that compensation should be paid for the loss or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should have been made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.”
Resolutions can contain both preambular clauses, operative clauses, and annexes. Preambular clauses are unnumbered and usually begin with a verb, sometimes modified by an adverb; operative clauses are numbered and do not start with adjectives, but do end with semicolons (except for the final one, which ends with a full stop/period). The name of the issuing body may be moved from above to below the preambular clauses in a draft resolution; this is mostly stylistic, and the resolution still comprises a coherent sentence.
Although the US has been reluctant to support resolutions that criticise Israel, it nonetheless supports some resolutions that condemn Hamas and calls for an end to the conflict in Gaza. It also supports resolutions that call for a ceasefire in Syria and has voted in favour of some resolutions that criticise Russia’s actions in Ukraine. It has, however, often used its veto to block resolutions that would hold the Bashar al-Assad regime accountable for documented atrocities in Syria.
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