The UN Security Council has voted in favour of a US-drafted resolution in support of a ceasefire proposal between Hamas and Israel.
The resolution lays out a three-phase ceasefire plan, which US President Joe Biden described as an Israeli initiative – though how effective it will be remains in question.
Reacting to the resolution, Hamas said it is ready to cooperate with mediators over implementing the principles of the plan.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said before the vote Mr Biden presented only parts of the proposal and insisted any talk of a permanent ceasefire before dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities is a non-starter.
The first phase of the deal would see a six-week ceasefire, the second the return of remaining hostages and the third a reconstruction plan for Gaza.
The resolution welcomes the new proposal, “which Israel accepted, calls upon Hamas to also accept it, and urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition”.
It’s the first resolution adopted by the council supporting a specific ceasefire plan, weeks after the body voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in March.
Of the 15 nations on the council, 14 supported the motion, while Russia abstained.
“We’re waiting on Hamas to agree to the ceasefire deal it claims to want,” US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council before Monday’s vote.
“With every passing day, needless suffering continues.”
Ms Thomas-Greenfield said Egypt and Qatar has assured Washington they are working to ensure Hamas engages with ceasefire discussions, while the US will ensure Israel “lives up to its obligations as well”.
The aftermath of an Israeli strike. Pic: Reuters
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UK ambassador Barbara Woodward said the resolution is an “important step” towards bringing an end to the conflict.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the suffering has gone on for far too long,” she said, adding the deal tabled is “something that the UK has long called for”.
Will it make a difference?
Sky News’s Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall said it is unlikely the resolution will make an immediate difference.
Hamas is not party to the resolution and has to officially agree to the terms and conditions, which it is yet to do, he said.
“Until they do, then no ceasefire can come into force and there will be no hostage deal,” Bunkall adds.
“However, this just underwrites the will of the international community to push ahead with it.”
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