The United Nations Security Council passed the US proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The Israel-Hamas war has been going on for 9 months, increasing the tension in West Asia. A proposal for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza was drafted by the US and President Joe Biden on May 31 asked Hamas to accept the proposal. Israel has already accepted this offer.
14 votes are in favor of this proposal, while none has come forward against it. At the same time, Russia distanced itself from it, did not participate and decided not to use its veto power. According to UN News, the resolutions passed aim to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in three stages.
The first of these three phases calls for the release of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded. It also calls for the return of the remains of some of the hostages who have been killed during the war, and for an immediate full ceasefire with a Palestinian prisoner exchange. Allow Palestinians to return to their homes and communities. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza and the widespread and safe distribution of humanitarian aid.
The second phase calls for a permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Israeli forces will withdraw completely from Gaza. The third phase will be a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza. Remains of dead hostages still present in the Gaza Strip will be returned to Israel.
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The agreement was described by US President Joe Biden as a ceasefire that would permanently end the war. In addition, he said that the terms of the agreement have been communicated by Qatar to the leadership of Hamas. Meanwhile, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at the United Nations that if Hamas gives its consent to the agreement approved by the Security Council, then the fighting can be stopped today.
He stressed that Hamas must now clearly understand that the international community is united in calling for an end to the 9-month Israel-Hamas war. This solidarity is committed to life-saving agreements. The agreement will help Palestinian citizens begin to rebuild and heal in Gaza. This solidarity is behind a deal that will reunite hostages with their families after eight months of captivity.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said that now is the time to exit the status quo and for Israel to meet its responsibilities and the US will do its utmost to ensure this. However, all this will be done on the condition that the agreement is accepted by Hamas.
The UN Security Council does not allow any attempt in this resolution to reflect demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip. It does not include any action that would reduce the area of the enclave. It also reiterates the Council’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution approach. In this regard, the resolution emphasizes the importance of integrating the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Clashes have escalated in Gaza since October 7 following an attack by Hamas. Israel has been targeting Hamas infrastructure in Gaza to eliminate the terrorist group.
