The text drafted by the United States calls on Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal announced on May 31 by President Joe Biden and already accepted by Israel.
Adopted by a large majority with 14 votes in favor and the abstention of Russia – which chose not to exercise its veto – the resolution also urges both parties to fully implement the terms of the proposal “without delay and without condition “.
President Biden described the agreement as “not only a ceasefire that would inevitably be fragile and temporary,” but also one that would “end the war for good.”
He added that the terms of the agreement had been transmitted by Qatar to Hamas leaders. It is diplomatically significant that the United States was able to rally Israel and the Palestinian mission in support of Monday’s resolution, while avoiding vetoes by the permanent members – including the United States itself – that have hampered most of the resolutions. resolutions that have not been adopted since the terrorist attacks of October 7 triggered the cycle of violence.
Three-phase approach
The proposal envisages a three-phase approach to ensure a lasting and comprehensive end to the fighting.
The first phase includes an “immediate, total and complete ceasefire, with the release of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, the return of the remains of some hostages who were killed and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from “populated areas” of Gaza, the return of Palestinians to their homes and neighborhoods throughout the enclave, including in the north, and the safe and effective distribution of large-scale humanitarian aid.
Permanent end of hostilities
The second phase would see a permanent end to hostilities “in exchange for the release of all other hostages still present in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.”
The third phase would see the launch of a “major multi-year plan for the reconstruction of Gaza” and the return to Israel of the remains of all deceased hostages still in the Gaza Strip.
The Council also highlighted the proposal’s provision that if negotiations last more than six weeks for the first phase, the ceasefire will be maintained as long as negotiations continue.
No territorial change
In the resolution, the Security Council rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any action aimed at reducing the territory of the enclave.
The text also reaffirms the Council’s “unwavering commitment” to the two-State solution, where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with law. international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
In this regard, the resolution highlights the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas must accept deal: US
Fighting could end today if Hamas accepts the deal approved by the Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
Hamas must now see clearly that the international community is united, “united behind an agreement that will save lives and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza begin to rebuild and heal, united behind an agreement that will allow hostages to be reunited with their families.” after eight months of captivity.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said the opportunity now presents itself to chart a new course and that the United States will help ensure Israel meets its obligations, “provided Hamas accepts the deal.”
Today is the fourth Security Council resolution that makes clear that the only way to end the cycle of violence “is through a political settlement,” she added.
Palestinian Lives Matter: Algeria
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama said his compatriots “deeply feel” the suffering of the Palestinians and that, with their own history of struggle against colonial occupation, they “understand and fully support” the legitimate demands and righteous people of the Palestinian people.
“As a free and dignified people, Palestinians will never accept living under occupation. They will never give up their fight for liberation,” he said.
Stressing that Algeria’s only guiding principle has been to save Palestinian lives, he declared that his country could not remain silent in the face of the collective punishment inflicted on the Palestinian people.
“The lives of Palestinians are important,” he stressed.
Mr Bendjama said Algeria voted in favor of the project because it represents a step towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
“This text is not perfect, but it offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians, because the alternative is continued massacres and suffering… We voted in favor of this text to give diplomacy a chance “, he added.
“It’s time to stop the massacre.”
A permanent ceasefire is essential: China
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said his country had voted in favor of the resolution, but that a permanent ceasefire was necessary as it was at the heart of the international community’s concerns.
Stopping the bombing and offensive is also the most pressing need for civilians under enemy fire in Gaza.
He stressed that all Security Council resolutions are binding and today’s resolution should be no different.
All resolutions must be implemented effectively and constructively, he added.
No clarity on ‘so-called’ deal: Russia
Russian Ambassador and Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia said his country abstained due to several outstanding issues.
“From the start of the military escalation, we have consistently and unwaveringly defended the imperative of a permanent ceasefire regime, in particular to free the hostages and remedy the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip” , did he declare.
“We ask ourselves many questions about the American draft resolution, in which the Council welcomes an agreement of which no one knows the final outlines, with the possible exception of the mediators,” he added.
Although the resolution calls on Hamas to accept the “so-called agreement,” there is no clarity on Israel’s official agreement “as written in the resolution.”
Noting public statements by Israeli leaders that the war would continue until Hamas was completely defeated, he asked: “What precisely did Israel agree to?” »
“The parameters are “vague” and the Council should not subscribe to them,” he added.
More information to come…
