25-3-2024 (GENEVA) The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza throughout the remaining period of Ramadan. The Muslim holy month began on 10th March and is due to conclude on 9th April, prompting the council to call for a two-week cessation of hostilities, with the ultimate goal of achieving a permanent and sustainable ceasefire.
While the United States abstained from the vote, the other 14 council members, including Russia, China, and the United Kingdom, voted in favor of the resolution. The measure also includes a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It emphasizes the urgent need to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid and reinforce the protection of civilians across the entire Gaza Strip. Furthermore, it reiterates the council’s call for the removal of all barriers hindering the provision of humanitarian assistance on a large scale.
Following the vote, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled a planned delegation visit to Washington, as the United States did not veto the proposal. This move comes after Russia and China vetoed a US-sponsored resolution last Friday that aimed to support an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
The Security Council has previously adopted two resolutions addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict. However, Friday’s proposal represents the first instance in which the United States has supported a resolution explicitly calling for a ceasefire. This reflects a shift in the Biden administration’s stance towards Israel, although the White House clarified that the US’s abstention does not indicate a change in policy and that the resolution lacked essential language according to the US’s assessment.
The United States has previously used its veto power to block three resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, including a measure supported by the 22-nation Arab Group at the UN on 20th February.
Following today’s vote, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the implementation of the resolution, stating on social media that failure to do so would be unforgivable.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed during the fighting. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but it notes that women and children account for two-thirds of the casualties.
In addition to the devastating loss of life, Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. A UN-backed report published last week warned of an imminent famine in northern Gaza and cautioned that further escalation of the conflict could push half of the territory’s 2.3 million population to the brink of starvation.
