The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a call for a ‘lasting, sustainable ceasefire’ in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the council, received support from 14 council members, leading to a round of applause in the council chamber.
The resolution specifically calls for an immediate ceasefire during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and demands the release of all hostages seized in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. The United States abstained from the vote, blaming Hamas for the delay in passing the resolution and stating that certain key edits were ignored.
US Ambassador stressed that the release of Israeli captives would lead to an increase in humanitarian aid supplies going into Gaza. However, US President Biden’s request to meet with Israeli officials was declined by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of implementing the resolution, stating that failure to do so would be unforgivable. The vote comes as conditions in Gaza reach critical levels, with over 32,000 Palestinians killed in the Israeli assault since October 7.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the adoption of the resolution and called on UNSC member states to fulfill their legal responsibilities to implement it immediately. Hamas also welcomed the resolution and affirmed their readiness to engage in immediate prisoner swaps on both sides.
France called for more work to be done in securing a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that the crisis is far from over. Russia and China vetoed a US-sponsored resolution on Friday, with Russia expressing disappointment that the word “permanent” was not included in regards to the ceasefire.
