United Nations Security Council passes resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan

In a significant development, the United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolution 2728, which demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the remainder of Ramadan. This resolution comes as a response to the escalating conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.

The resolution was passed with an overwhelming majority, with 14 votes in favor and the United States abstaining. The resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional release of hostages and emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The decision by the Security Council reflects the international community’s concern for the humanitarian situation and the need for peace during the holy month of Ramadan.

The resolution also highlights the failure of previous attempts to secure a ceasefire and the importance of this resolution as a first step towards a lasting and sustainable peace. The abstention by the United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, is notable and indicates a complex diplomatic landscape. The US ambassador expressed full support for the critical objectives of the draft, despite the abstention.

The resolution has been met with mixed reactions. The ambassador for the observer State of Palestine hailed it as a turning point, while Israel’s ambassador criticized the resolution for not condemning Hamas. The Arab Group, represented by Yemen, emphasized the resolution as a first step leading to a binding resolution on a permanent ceasefire and called for strict sanctions on Israeli settlers inciting violence.

This resolution is a clear call from the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for international law, and protection of civilians. It underscores the Security Council’s role in maintaining international peace and security and the collective desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

As the world observes the developments following this resolution, the hope for peace in Gaza remains a priority for the international community, especially during a time of reflection and prayer like Ramadan.

For more detailed information on the UN Security Council’s resolution and the situation in Gaza, you can refer to the official UN News reports.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution yesterday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan. It led to Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu canceling a planned visit to Washington by a delegation, accusing the US of withdrawing from “its consistent position”.

The Muslim holy month finishes on April 9 and there are hopes the proposed two-week pause will herald “a permanent sustainable ceasefire”.

But Israel was set to ignore the UN directive yesterday and press on with its mission to smash the last Hamas terror stronghold in besieged Rafah.

The US abstained from the vote, with the 14 other Security Council members — including Russia, China, and the UK — voting in favor.

The resolution also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages plus more humanitarian aid.

But Hamas was yesterday still refusing to agree to free captives snatched when its savages massacred 1,200 on October 7. Earlier in March a senior US official said the path to a ceasefire was “straightforward” as the two sides prepared to resume talks, Sky News reported. “The path to a ceasefire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there’s a deal on the table. “There’s a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it.” “The onus right now is on Hamas.”

Negotiators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar drafted the proposal that included Hamas freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a six-week ceasefire

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