UN Security Council Passes Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire Amid US Abstaining

New Delhi, March 25: The UN Security Council on Monday passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and "the urgent need to expand the flow" of aid into Gaza. There were 14 votes in favour with the United States abstaining. UN Security Council Resolution 2728 follows nearly six months of conflict in the Gaza Strip:

The UN Security Council's resolution for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza marks a notable departure from the past, particularly as the United States refrained from vetoing the measure, signalling a shift in its stance.

This shift underscores a growing divergence between the US and its longstanding ally, Israel, regarding the latter's offensive in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response, referring to the US decision as a "clear retreat" from its previous position, highlights the significance of this development. Netanyahu's subsequent cancellation of planned meetings between Israeli delegates and US officials in Washington underscores the gravity of the situation.

The abstention by the US in the vote, with the remaining council members overwhelmingly supporting the resolution, reflects a break from previous instances where similar measures were blocked. The rationale for the US abstention lies in its acknowledgement of the need for a ceasefire, while also expressing reservations about the resolution's failure to explicitly condemn Hamas.

This move by the US, while not indicative of a complete policy shift according to US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, signifies a recalibration of its approach. It reflects a broader trend of the US adopting a more critical stance towards Israel, particularly concerning the mounting civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On October 7th, Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the capture of 253 individuals taken into Gaza as hostages.

In response, the Israeli military launched a large-scale retaliation, resulting in over 32,300 Palestinian fatalities and more than 74,600 injuries, according to data from the Gaza health ministry, which the World Health Organization considers credible.

However, amid these pressing concerns, accusations and counter-accusations between Israel and the UN regarding the obstruction of aid delivery further complicate efforts to address the crisis.

Against this backdrop, the Security Council's resolution serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Yet, challenges persist as efforts for mediation and ceasefire agreements by US-backed entities such as Qatar and Egypt have yet to yield substantive results. As talks continue, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions of lives hanging in the balance.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's Ambassador and UN Permanent Representative, criticized the Security Council for what he perceived as selective condemnation of terrorist attacks. He pointed out the council's failure to denounce the Nova music festival massacre on October 7th, contrasting it with its condemnation of the recent attack on a concert hall in Moscow. Erdan emphasized the universal right to safety and security for civilians, regardless of their location, especially during cultural events.

Highlighting Hamas's continuous attacks on Israeli civilians over the past 18 years, Erdan condemned the organization's use of indiscriminate rockets and missiles, which have targeted innocent civilians. While the resolution acknowledged the illegality of hostage-taking under international law, Erdan urged the council to move beyond mere words and take concrete actions to secure the release of hostages.

Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, addressed the Security Council regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the Palestinian issue.

Mansour highlighted the prolonged suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. He recounted the harrowing experiences of Palestinians who have faced death and devastation, with many left buried beneath the rubble of their own homes. Mansour stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate attention and action from the international community.

Furthermore, Mansour condemned Israel's disregard for international law, citing its failure to comply with a mandatory order from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mansour expressed appreciation for the adoption of the resolution and praised Arab unity in demanding a ceasefire. He urged that this resolution be a turning point in the conflict, signalling an end to the atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinian people. Mansour concluded by emphasizing the urgent need to halt the ongoing assault on Palestinian lives and called for concerted efforts to end the violence and restore peace to the region.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, explained the US decision to abstain from voting on the UN Security Council's Gaza resolution. She cited the earlier US resolution blocked by Russia and China, emphasizing their reluctance to condemn Hamas' terrorist attacks on October 7th. Thomas-Greenfield expressed disappointment in what she perceived as a lack of commitment to advancing peace through diplomatic means by certain council members.

Regarding the current resolution stated that the Security Council's adoption of the resolution signaled support for diplomatic efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt aimed at achieving an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, as well as securing the release of all hostages and addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the United States' full endorsement of these critical objectives, emphasizing that they formed the basis of a resolution proposed by the US the previous week, which was vetoed by Russia and China.

Highlighting the US's commitment to translating its support into tangible action on the ground through diplomacy, Thomas-Greenfield urged Council members to recognize that a ceasefire could have been achieved earlier if Hamas had been willing to release the hostages. She called on Council members to unequivocally demand that Hamas accept the deal on the table to advance peace efforts.

Reacting immediately after the vote, Secretary-General António Guterres said on X that the long-awaited resolution must be implemented; the Council’s failure to do so “would be unforgivable.”