Image source, Getty Images
- author, Anna Faji
- Role, BBC News, Washington
-
The United Nations Security Council voted in favor of the ceasefire plan proposed by the United States between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The agreement sets the conditions for a “complete and complete ceasefire,” the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of the remains of dead hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
14 of the 15 Security Council members, including the United States, voted in favor of the resolution. Russia abstained from voting.
The resolution states that Israel has accepted the ceasefire proposal, and urges Hamas to agree to it as well.
The plan consists of three phases, ending with a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, which was largely destroyed in the conflict.
The first phase of the plan concerns the exchange of hostages and prisoners in addition to a short-term ceasefire.
The second phase includes a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” as well as a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the text of the American draft resolution.
The third phase focuses on the long-term prospects of the Strip, and will begin a multi-year reconstruction plan in Gaza.
Monday’s decision comes weeks after President Joe Biden announced that the Israelis had agreed to a three-phase plan that would lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized parts of the resolution, repeatedly saying that he intends to press ahead with military operations until Hamas is destroyed.
President Biden’s account on X, formerly Twitter, noted the approval of the decision.
“Hamas says it wants a ceasefire,” the post said. “This deal is an opportunity to prove they mean it.”
“Today we voted for peace,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations.
UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” adding that “the suffering has continued for a very long time.”
“We call on both parties to seize this opportunity and move toward a lasting peace that guarantees security and stability for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples,” Woodward said.
Although the United States has previously vetoed similar measures, it did not veto the March resolution.
Netanyahu said at the time that the United States had “abandoned” its previous position linking the ceasefire to the release of the hostages.
The conflict began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 251 hostage.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry says the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 37,000 since Israel responded to its attack.
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