UN Demands Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as US Abstains
-
Roshan Amiri
- . March 26, 2024
- . Update: March 26, 2024 6:43 pm
The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. The resolution also called for the unconditional release of all hostages held by both sides. With the United States abstaining from the vote, the remaining 14 council members unanimously voted in favour of the resolution proposed by the 10 elected members. The council chamber burst into applause after the resolution passed.
This development came amid mounting global pressure for a truce in the nearly six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches and the threat of famine looms in Gaza, the need for a cessation of hostilities grew increasingly urgent. Palestinian health authorities have reported around 32,000 casualties from the conflict so far.
UN Demands Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
While welcoming the resolution, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of its implementation, stating failure would be “unforgivable.” However, the US abstention sparked outrage from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who condemned the move as a “clear retreat” from the US’s previous position supportive of Israel’s military efforts against Hamas.
Netanyahu alleged the abstention would undermine Israel’s bid to release over 130 hostages held by Hamas. He retaliated by cancelling a visit to Washington by a high-level Israeli delegation scheduled to discuss a planned military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians have sought shelter.
The White House refuted suggestions of a policy shift, with spokesperson John Kirby asserting the vote “does not represent a change in our policy.” A US official, speaking anonymously, expressed perplexity at Israel’s strong reaction, deeming it an overreaction.
Diverging Perspectives
Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan placed blame squarely on Hamas, stating the resolution made it seem “as if the war started by itself,” when “Israel did not start this war, nor did Israel want this war.” In contrast, Hamas welcomed the resolution, indicating its “readiness to engage in immediate prisoner swaps on both sides.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for international pressure on Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon, where the Israeli military and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have engaged in cross-border hostilities. Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the UN vote.
Related Posts
Challenges Ahead
As the security situation remains volatile, implementing the UN-mandated ceasefire faces significant obstacles. Diplomatic efforts to facilitate hostage releases and alleviate humanitarian suffering will be crucial. The international community’s ability to enforce the resolution’s demands will test its commitment to resolving this protracted and deadly conflict.
