The UN Security Council on Monday endorsed a ceasefire proposal for Gaza outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden. The plan, aimed at ending the eight-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Hamas welcomed the resolution, expressing readiness to work with mediators to implement the principles of the plan that align with the demands of the Palestinian people. Russia abstained from the vote, while the remaining 14 Security Council members supported the resolution.
The resolution endorses President Biden’s three-phase ceasefire plan introduced on May 31, which he described as an Israeli initiative. It calls on Hamas to agree to the terms and urges both parties to implement the ceasefire without delay or conditions.
“Today we voted for peace,” said U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield after the vote. Algeria, the sole Arab member of the council, supported the resolution, with UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama stating it offers hope for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
The resolution specifies that if negotiations for phase one exceed six weeks, the ceasefire will continue as long as talks are ongoing. However, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the resolution for lacking specific details on Israel’s commitments.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan attended the vote but did not speak. Senior Israeli diplomat Reut Shapir Ben Naftaly reiterated Israel’s goals: to free all hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, and ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel. She blamed Hamas for prolonging the war.
The council had previously demanded an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators have been working for months to broker a ceasefire.
The conflict escalated after an October 7 attack by Hamas militants killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in more than 250 hostages, with over 100 still held captive. Israel’s subsequent air, ground, and sea assault on Gaza has resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.
