The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution supporting a ceasefire proposal for Gaza announced by US President Joe Biden. The resolution, authored by the US, received 14 votes in favor at the 15-member Council, with Russia abstaining.
This resolution underscores diplomatic efforts led by Egypt, the US, and Qatar, and welcomes Biden’s three-phase proposal presented in late May. It states that Israel has accepted Biden’s proposal and calls on Hamas to do the same and implement it.
US Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield welcomed the adoption of the resolution, urging Hamas to accept the deal to end the fighting. “This council and countries across the region and the world have endorsed this agreement,” she said, noting that a ceasefire agreement would “pave the way toward an enduring cessation of hostilities and a better future for all,” while reaffirming commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Three-Phase Gaza Deal
On May 31, Biden announced a three-phase deal to end hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. The plan includes a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
The first phase proposes an “immediate, full, and complete ceasefire,” the release of hostages including women, the elderly, and the wounded, the return of the remains of deceased hostages, a prisoner exchange, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes. It also ensures the distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
The second phase includes the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza while permanently ceasing hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The third phase proposes a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza, including the return of the bodies of deceased hostages.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its offensive on Gaza since a Hamas attack last October 7. According to local health authorities, over 36,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children, with more than 83,500 others injured. Gaza remains in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge before it was invaded on May 6.
