UN Security Council demands cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday (25 March) issued a demand for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with the release of all hostages.

Notably, the United States abstained from voting on this resolution.

The resolution, proposed by the ten elected members of the council, received favourable votes from the remaining 14 council members.

Specifically addressing the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which concludes in two weeks, the resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Additionally, it urges the release of all hostages captured during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October.

While traditionally vetoing Security Council resolutions that pressure Israel, the United States has started to express frustration with its ally.

This shift comes as civilian casualties rise, and the UN warns of an impending famine in Gaza.

Following the vote, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield attributed the delay in passing a ceasefire resolution to Hamas.

“We did not agree with everything with the resolution,” Thomas-Greenfield explained the reason why the US abstained, “Certain key edits were ignored, including our request to add a condemnation of Hamas.”

She underscored that the release of Israeli captives would facilitate an upsurge in humanitarian aid entering the besieged coastal enclave.

Palestinian Ambassador: Ceasefire must signal end of assault and atrocities

"This must mark a turning point," expressed Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour to the UNSC, his emotions evident as he fought back tears. "It must signal the cessation of this assault, the end of atrocities against our people."

Reflecting on the arduous journey, he stated that it took six months, during which over 100,000 Palestinians lost their lives or were severely injured, to finally prompt the call for an immediate ceasefire.

In Gaza, Palestinians have endured through shouting, crying, cursing, and praying, defying the odds repeatedly, Mansour added.

Now, they grapple with the harsh reality of famine, with many trapped under the debris of their own homes.

The obstruction of UNRWA aid also bears tangible consequences. "It is high time for these Israeli actions to catalyze serious international intervention," he asserted.

Mansour expressed his appreciation for the resolution's adoption and commended Arab unity in advocating for the ceasefire.

Israel Ambassador denounces lack of Hamas condemnation as 'a disgrace'

However, Gilad Erdan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel raised concerns about what he perceived as "discrimination" among victims by the Security Council.

He pointed out the Council's condemnation of the recent deadly attack on a concert hall in Moscow but criticized its failure to condemn the Nova music festival massacre on 7 October.

“Sadly, today as well, this Council refused to condemn the 7 October massacre; this is a disgrace,” he said.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya expressed his country's hope that Monday's resolution would serve the "interests of peace" rather than furthering what he termed as the "inhumane Israeli operation against Palestinians."

“It is of fundamental importance that the UN Security Council, for the first time, is demanding the parties observe an immediate ceasefire, even if it is limited to the month of Ramadan,” he said.

“Unfortunately, what happens after that ends remains unclear.”

Russia advocated for the inclusion of the term "permanent" in relation to the ceasefire, expressing worries that its omission might allow Israel to resume military operations in the Gaza Strip immediately after Ramadan, which concludes on 9 April.

“We are disappointed that it did not make it through,” Nebenzya said.

Following the vote, Secretary-General António Guterres responded promptly, emphasizing that the long-awaited resolution must be implemented without delay.

He underscored that any failure on the part of the Council to do so "would be unforgivable," highlighting the urgency and importance of its execution.

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Netanyahu scraps Israeli delegation to US in response to UN Gaza vote

The White House stated that the final resolution lacked language deemed essential by the US, and its decision to abstain from the vote does not indicate a shift in policy.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office characterized the US's failure to veto the resolution as a "clear retreat" from its previous stance.

They expressed concerns that this move would hinder war efforts against Hamas and impede efforts to secure the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Additionally, Netanyahu's office announced that he will not send a high-level delegation to Washington, DC, in light of this new US position.

US President Joe Biden had requested a meeting with Israeli officials to discuss Israeli plans for a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where over 1 million displaced Palestinians are taking shelter.

The recent UN Security Council vote occurred amidst international appeals to halt the nearly six-month-long conflict, as Israeli forces continue to bombard Gaza and humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave deteriorate to critical levels.