In a groundbreaking development that could have repercussions on the long-standing relationship between Israel and the US, the UN Security Council almost unanimously voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on March 25.
The resolution demands a ceasefire in Gaza to last for the rest of Ramadan – the Muslim holy month, happening this year between March 10 and April 9.
While the council is currently calling for a two-week ceasefire, the draft said this pause should lead to a “permanent sustainable ceasefire”.
The resolution also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all the hostages still in Gaza – believed to be around 100.
During its unprecedented attack on October 7, Hamas kidnapped 253 people – including children and elderly people. Some have since died, while others were freed.
The United States was the only country abstaining in the vote, a move marking a major policy shift, while the other 14 countries sitting in the council – including Russia, China and the UK – approved the resolution.
Antonio Guterres wrote on X: “The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.”
The vote comes after Russia and China vetoed a US-sponsored resolution Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
The proposal made on Friday by Washington marked the first time the US had backed a resolution containing the word “ceasefire”, a sign the Biden administration is toughening its stance towards Tel Aviv and its response to the October 7 attack.
The United States warned that the resolution approved on Monday could hurt negotiations to halt hostilities by the US, Egypt and Qatar, raising the possibility of another veto, this time by the Americans.
Ahead of the vote on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to cancel a planned visit to Washington should the US not veto the resolution.
The US had previously vetoed three resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, including one put forward on February 20 and backed by the 22-nation Arab Group at the UN.
The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, is backed by Russia and China and the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations.
A statement issued Friday night by the Arab Group appealed to all 15 council members “to act with unity and urgency” and vote for the resolution “to halt the bloodshed, preserve human lives and avert further human suffering and destruction”. The Arab Group added: “It is long past time for a ceasefire.”
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