UN Security Council Passes Resolution Demanding Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza During Ramadan

In a landmark move, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. The resolution, tabled by the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, garnered overwhelming support with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from the United States. This decision marks a significant step towards alleviating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

The resolution, numbered 2728, not only demands a cessation of hostilities but also emphasizes the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza. Furthermore, it highlights the urgent need to expand humanitarian aid into Gaza to address the dire medical and humanitarian needs of the population.

During the UN Council session, various ambassadors voiced their support for the resolution, stressing the importance of ending the violence and providing essential aid to the suffering population. Algeria’s Ambassador, Amar Benjama, hailed the resolution as a crucial step towards ending the “bloodbath” that has plagued Gaza for months, expressing relief that the international community has responded to calls for action.

However, the adoption of the resolution was not without contention. Israel’s Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, criticized the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas and questioned the Security Council’s consistency in addressing acts of terror. Erdan emphasized the need for concrete action to bring an end to the suffering of civilians affected by the conflict.

Similarly, Russia’s Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed disappointment over the removal of the term “permanent” from the resolution, advocating for a stronger commitment to achieving a lasting ceasefire. Despite this setback, Nebenzia reaffirmed Russia’s support for the resolution and urged continued efforts towards a permanent solution.

Meanwhile, the United States abstained from voting on the resolution, citing concerns over the lack of condemnation of Hamas and urging the group to accept the terms of the ceasefire. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated her country’s commitment to the objectives outlined in the resolution, emphasizing the need for Hamas to cease its obstruction of peace efforts.

In response to the resolution’s adoption, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of its implementation, stressing that failure to do so would be unacceptable. The resolution’s passage represents a critical milestone in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provides hope for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.

As the international community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the Gaza crisis, the adoption of Resolution 2728 serves as a beacon of hope for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire, signaling a collective commitment to ending their suffering and promoting lasting peace in the region.