UN adopts resolution for permanent ceasefire in Gaza

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan, with the goal of leading to a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. The resolution, drafted by the 15-member council's non-permanent members Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland, was put to a vote.

The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor and 1 abstention. The United States abstained.

Following lengthy negotiations, an agreement had been reached on the phrase "permanent ceasefire" in the draft resolution. However, the US delegation requested a last-minute change to the text, asking to replace the word "permanent" with "lasting."

Russia's amendment proposal to revert the wording to its original form before the vote was vetoed by the US.

This marks the first time a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza has been adopted by the UNSC since October 7.

The resolution recalls all previous UNSC resolutions regarding the Palestinian issue and states that all parties have an obligation to comply with international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law.

The resolution condemns attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure as well as all acts of terrorism, and states that taking hostages is a violation of international law.

The resolution underscores deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and endorses the diplomatic efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

The resolution demands "an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," and calls for access to be provided to meet the humanitarian and medical needs of the hostages.

The resolution calls on parties to comply with their obligations under international law regarding the persons they hold captive.

Highlighting the importance of urgently increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the resolution also demands the removal of all barriers to the provision of necessary humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians.

The resolution emphasizes that the situation will be closely monitored.

A US-drafted resolution, which was put to a vote on March 22 and vetoed by China and Russia, had been opened for negotiations on February 20. That draft had linked a ceasefire in Gaza to the release of hostages and limited itself to calling for support for diplomacy.

The draft, which pointed to the importance of turning a ceasefire achieved through diplomatic efforts into a sustainable one, had noted that "Hamas and other terrorist and extremist groups do not represent the Palestinian people" and that Hamas is "designated as a terrorist organization by some member states."

In the UNSC, where numerous sessions have been held regarding Gaza since October 7, 2023, 10 draft resolutions have been put to a vote, including today's.

Prior to this resolution, resolutions 2712 and 2720 had also been adopted.