New York: Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has now entered its eighth month, the United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
The resolution, proposed by the United States, calls for Hamas to agree to a ceasefire plan initially presented by President Joe Biden on May 31, which has already been accepted by Israel. The vote on the resolution took place on Monday and was overwhelmingly supported, with 14 votes in favor, none against, and a single abstention from Russia, which chose not to exercise its veto power.
The resolution aims to establish a comprehensive ceasefire through a phased approach. The first phase demands an “immediate, full, and complete ceasefire,” alongside the release of hostages, which include women, the elderly, and the wounded. It also calls for the return of the remains of hostages who have been killed and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
Additionally, the resolution stipulates that Israeli soldiers must withdraw from Gaza’s populated areas, facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and communities across the territory, including the northern regions. It further emphasises the importance of distributing humanitarian aid extensively and securely to those affected by the conflict.
Whereas Phase Two would see a permanent cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Phase three, on the other hand, would involve a comprehensive, multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, with the return of the remains of any deceased hostages to Israel.
President Biden characterised the deal as more than a mere ceasefire, describing it as a framework for a durable end to the war. He emphasized that the agreement terms had been conveyed to Hamas leadership by Qatar
Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that the fighting could stop today if Hamas agrees to the deal now endorsed by the Security Council.
She asserted that Hamas should now see clearly that the international community is united, “united behind a deal that will save lives and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza start to rebuild and heal. United behind a deal that will reunite hostages with their families after eight months in captivity.”
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stated that there is now a chance to steer clear of the current situation and that the US will assist in making sure Israel fulfils its responsibilities, however, it would all be done “assuming that Hamas accepts the deal.”
In the resolution, the UN Security Council do not allow any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of the enclave.
It also reiterates the Council’s “unwavering commitment” to the vision of the two-state solution. “In this regard stresses the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority,” the resolution added.
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.
Israel has since, characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties.
