An immediate ceasefire in Gaza has been championed and approved by the United Nations Security Council. The proposal, which did not see a United States vote but secured 14 other votes in favor, is expected to forge a critical path towards peace. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for its urgent enactment, declaring that failure is not an option.
Guterres, in a passionate statement, declared, "The Security Council has endorsed the long-awaited resolution in Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages." He continued, "This resolution must be put into action. There can be no room for failure."
While the US has been vocally demanding the release of individuals detained in Gaza, it notably abstained from voting on this particular resolution, despite having proposed an earlier resolution that was vetoed by Russia and China. That resolution called for an 'immediate and permanent ceasefire'.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed frustration over America's decision not to veto the UNSC proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. He indicated that as a result, he will not be sending the planned delegation to Washington, reflecting the presumed pressure that had been applied by the US for a ceasefire. Negotiations between the two nations have been ongoing.
The recent US proposal accepted on Monday potentially disrupts the current discussions between the US, Egypt, and Qatar. The US Secretary of State has been actively engaging with the Middle East to vigorously discuss the release of the detainees and supported the ceasefire. It remains to be seen how quickly the UNSC resolution will be implemented.
