The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the holy month of Ramadan. The resolution, which marks the first of its kind since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on October 7, 2023, secured 14 out of 15 votes in favor.
The United States, traditionally a key ally of Israel and a permanent member with veto power, abstained from the vote. This shift in stance allowed the resolution to pass, signaling a potential change in international dynamics regarding the conflict.
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, welcomed the UNSC’s decision. In an official statement, the group called upon the Security Council to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and to halt what it described as “the war of extermination” against the Palestinian people. Hamas also expressed readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a permanent ceasefire and demanding the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
In response to the U.S. abstention, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the cancellation of a scheduled visit to Washington by a delegation of senior Israeli officials. Netanyahu accused the United States of “retreating” from a “principled position” by permitting the resolution to pass without conditioning the ceasefire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The resolution’s adoption highlights growing international concern over the escalating violence in Gaza and the need for immediate humanitarian relief during Ramadan, a significant period of reflection and peace for Muslims worldwide. The development may also reflect shifting geopolitical alliances and underscores the complexities of achieving a lasting resolution to the long-standing conflict.
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UNSC passes resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza for Ramadan
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