The UN Security Council (UNSC) approved a resolution drafted by the US, which outlined a ceasefire proposal for Gaza announced by President Joe Biden and Hamas welcomed the decision.
President Biden revealed on May 31 that Israel had presented Hamas with a new three-phase plan aimed at achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.
The resolution essentially reiterates Israel’s three-phase ceasefire proposal for Gaza, which was publicized by President Biden.
The first phase calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza’s populated areas, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the exchange of detained Palestinians.
The second phase involves an indefinite cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages and the continued withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The third phase outlines the initiation of a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza. The resolution opposes any efforts to alter the demographic or territorial status of Gaza, including any actions that would reduce its territory.
Meanwhile, residents in Gaza City watched from their balconies as Hamas militants paraded through the streets to honour Bassem Issa, a senior Hamas commander killed by Israeli Defense Forces during the 11-day conflict that ended with a ceasefire on May 22, 2021, Sputnik International reported.
Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed concerns over the newly adopted US-drafted resolution, stating that Russia has many questions regarding the details of the ceasefire proposal, which are not fully disclosed to the public.
“We have numerous questions about the American draft resolution, which this Council is welcoming despite its details being known only to the mediators,” Nebenzia said during a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine and Israel.
Hamas responded positively to the UN Security Council resolution, endorsing the call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“Hamas welcomes the Security Council resolution for a permanent ceasefire, a complete military withdrawal from Gaza, prisoner exchanges, reconstruction, the return of displaced residents, the rejection of any demographic changes or territorial reductions in Gaza, and the provision of necessary aid to our people in the strip,” the movement stated.
