Amidst the grinding conflict in Gaza, the UN Security Council convened on Monday, urging an immediate ceasefire, a move met with rare applause despite the abstention of the United States, a key ally of Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of implementing the ceasefire, warning that failure would be unacceptable.
Hamas welcomed the resolution, expressing readiness to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticized the UN vote, stating it undermines both the war effort and efforts to secure the release of abducted individuals.
The Palestinian Authority’s Minister for Civilian Affairs, Hussein al-Sheikh, hailed the resolution, calling for an end to the conflict and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
The United States conditioned its support for the ceasefire on Hamas releasing hostages it holds.
The Arab League’s Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, deemed the decision overdue, emphasizing the need for immediate cessation of hostilities and Israeli aggression.
Top EU officials welcomed the resolution, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and calling for the unconditional release of hostages.
Egypt welcomed the resolution as a crucial step to halt bloodshed, while France’s UN representative emphasized the need for a sustained ceasefire beyond Ramadan.
