The UN Security Council has approved a three-phase ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The resolution, drafted by the US, received overwhelming support with 14 out of 15 council members voting in favor, while Russia abstained.
The ceasefire proposal calls for both parties to fully implement the terms of the resolution “without delay and without condition.” The plan consists of three phases outlined by US President Joe Biden during a recent address at the White House.
The first phase involves a six-week “full and complete ceasefire” where Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza. Hamas would release hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian assistance would be allowed to flow freely, with the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighborhoods.
The second phase, described as a “permanent end to hostilities,” would see the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase calls for the start of major reconstruction in Gaza and the return of remains of hostages who have been killed.
Israel’s government has expressed its objective to eliminate Hamas and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat in the future. Israel’s representative to the UN emphasized the need to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities and ensure the return of all hostages before ending the war.
Hamas has welcomed the adoption of the UN resolution and expressed readiness to negotiate the details of the ceasefire plan. The militant group has accepted the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the swap of hostages for detainees held by Israel, but has called on the US to ensure Israel abides by the agreement.
The international community is hopeful that the ceasefire proposal will bring an end to the violence and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.