Gaza: UN Security Council Passes Resolution Demanding Immediate Ceasefire, Israel Cancels US Trip Of Advisors
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan. The resolution, which garnered 14 votes in favour, with the United States abstaining, also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and emphasizes the urgent need to increase humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.
The resolution, put forward by the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, seeks “an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.” Additionally, it urges the release of all hostages and underscores the importance of complying with international law concerning detainees.
Tensions between the United States and Israel surfaced as Washington opted to abstain from the vote, marking a departure from its previous stance. This decision prompted Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a planned trip to the US by two of his top advisors, according to Israeli officials.
#UN #SecurityCouncil adopts resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in #Gaza for the month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages
IN FAVOR: 14
AGAINST: 0
ABSTAIN: 1 (US)#gazaceasefirenow… pic.twitter.com/CBH5xwBEym— Timeline. (@timelinelatest) March 25, 2024
The abstention by the US marks a shift in its position, which had previously seen it veto similar resolutions calling for a ceasefire. Last week, the US proposed a ceasefire resolution linked to the release of hostages, which was ultimately vetoed by Russia and China. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, explained that while the latest resolution included edits requested by the US, Washington could not fully endorse it, stating, “A ceasefire could have come about months ago if Hamas had been willing to release hostages.” She reiterated the US stance, emphasizing that any ceasefire must be accompanied by the release of all hostages.
The passage of the resolution comes amid grim statistics from the Gaza Strip, where the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen sharply. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll in Gaza now stands at 32,333, with 107 Palestinians killed and 176 others wounded in the past 24 hours alone. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas incursion through the southern Israeli border that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages, has led to a staggering toll of 74,694 injuries and 32,333 fatalities.
