UN Security Council Passes Cease-Fire Resolution for Gaza

The UN Security Council has approved a resolution urging for a “prompt” cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan. It also demands the swift liberation of the remaining captives under Hamas. Notably, the United States chose to abstain from voting on this matter.

UN Security Council has finally passed a resolution urging for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza, after almost six months of the Israel-Hamas war.

This resolution, which will be in effect until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, received the support of 14 Security Council members.

Notably, the United States chose to abstain from voting, indicating a significant change in their position. The UN Security Council successfully passed the first resolution for a Gaza cease-fire, overcoming previous US vetoes and one by Russia and China last week.

UN Resolution on Gaza: Key Provisions and Implications

The UN Gaza resolution includes a call for a truce that will pave the way for a long-lasting and sustainable cease-fire.

Furthermore, it demands the release of all hostages taken during the terror attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. This demand is separate from the call for a cease-fire during Ramadan, which concludes on April 9.

The resolution highlights the critical need to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip and urges the removal of all barriers hindering the provision of humanitarian assistance on a large scale.

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Algeria, the current representative of the Arab bloc on the Security Council, sponsored the resolution along with other non-permanent members such as Slovenia, Switzerland, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, and Sierra Leone.

The suffering of the Palestinian people has been unbearable for five months, according to the Algerian ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama. It is crucial to bring an end to this bloodshed. Finally, the Security Council is stepping up to take action.

The Palestinian representative emphasized the importance of the resolution as a potential turning point in stopping the conflict in Gaza. This resolution should mark the conclusion of the violence and atrocities against our people, stated Riyad Mansour, his voice filled with emotion.

The acceptance and implementation of the resolution by Israel and Hamas remain uncertain.

Despite being labeled as a terrorist group by several countries, including the US and the EU, Hamas has expressed its approval of the resolution, indicating a willingness to engage in immediate prisoner exchanges on both sides.

US Abstains: Shift in Position Signals Policy Change

The change in Washington’s position is evident with the US abstention, which comes nearly six months into the conflict.

Washington had consistently vetoed previous cease-fire resolutions in an effort to balance its support for ally Israel with expressing concerns over the rising civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the US abstention as a “significant retreat” from its earlier stance, stating that it undermines the war efforts and the attempts to secure the release of hostages. This move, according to Netanyahu, gives Hamas optimism that international pressure could lead to a cease-fire without the release of abducted individuals.

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Israeli-Washington Visit Scrapped by Netanyahu

Netanyahu decided to cancel the Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington promptly, citing a change in the American position as the reason for the cancellation.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby clarified that the US abstention did not signify a policy shift, emphasizing that the US supports a cease-fire but abstained due to the absence of a condemnation of Hamas in the text.

“We are disappointed that they will not be coming to Washington, DC, to engage in a comprehensive discussion with us on alternative solutions to a ground offensive in Rafah,” Kirby expressed to reporters, mentioning Israeli plans for a ground operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

“Our stance remains unchanged that a significant ground offensive in Rafah would be a grave error,” he added.

Subsequently, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller described the cancellation as “surprising and regrettable,” also stating that Washington was “somewhat puzzled” by Netanyahu’s response to the US decision not to veto the UN Security Council resolution.

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Germany Finds Relief, France Pushes for Permanent Cease-fire

Germany expresses its relief over the passing of the resolution, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, highlights the importance of avoiding a large-scale offensive on Rafah, stating that people should not simply vanish without a trace.

France, on the other hand, calls for immediate action towards a permanent cease-fire. French UN representative Nicolas de Riviere emphasizes the need for continued mobilization and the establishment of a lasting peace agreement after the conclusion of Ramadan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stresses the significance of implementing the resolution to safeguard the well-being of all civilians.