The United Nations Security Council has recently approved a US-drafted proposal calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This action comes amid ongoing tensions in the region due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now lasted for eight months.
The proposal, endorsed by 14 members of the Security Council, with Russia abstaining, seeks a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of hostages. The US-drafted resolution outlines a three-phase approach to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The first phase demands an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, and the return of the remains of those who have been killed. It also requires Israeli soldiers to leave populated areas of Gaza and ensures that humanitarian aid is distributed safely and widely.
In the second phase, the resolution calls for a permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. The third phase focuses on a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of any deceased hostages' remains to Israel.
President Joe Biden, who announced the ceasefire proposal on May 31, described the deal as a durable end to the war, rather than a fragile and temporary ceasefire. He emphasised that the terms of the agreement had been communicated to Hamas by Qatar.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stressed that the fighting could end immediately if Hamas agrees to the terms of the deal now supported by the Security Council.
She highlighted the international community's unity behind the proposal, which aims to save lives, assist Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and reunite hostages with their families after months of captivity.
The resolution also reaffirms the UN Security Council's commitment to the vision of a two-state solution and stresses the importance of unifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. It explicitly rejects any attempts to change the demographic or territorial status of the Gaza Strip.
The conflict in Gaza intensified after the October 7 attack by Hamas, during which approximately 2,500 terrorists infiltrated Israel from Gaza, causing significant casualties and taking hostages.
Since then, Israel has focused its offensive on targeting Hamas' infrastructure, aiming to dismantle the terror group while attempting to minimise civilian casualties.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the prolonged conflict in Gaza.
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