UN Security Council supports Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution supporting a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden. The resolution, which was finalized on Sunday after six days of negotiations, was voted on Monday with 14 council members in favour and Russia abstaining.

The resolution welcomes the ceasefire proposal, stating that Israel has accepted it and calling on Hamas to do the same. It urges both parties to fully implement the ceasefire terms without delay or conditions. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the urgency of Hamas agreeing to the ceasefire to end the ongoing suffering.

The resolution outlines that if the negotiations for the first phase of the ceasefire take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue as long as talks are ongoing. This aligns with the Security Council’s March demand for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Ceasefire Plan: A Step Towards Ending the Conflict

For several months, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating a ceasefire. Hamas is seeking a permanent end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The conflict escalated after an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli reports. Gaza health authorities report over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory assaults.

This resolution marks a significant step towards ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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