Hamas has embraced the United Nations Security Council’s call for an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where residents teeter on the edge of famine.
The group has expressed its readiness to proceed with an operation aimed at releasing hostages held in the territory in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
In a statement, Hamas affirmed its approval of the UN Security Council’s plea for an instant ceasefire, emphasizing the necessity of achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities.
They urge the withdrawal of all Zionist forces from Gaza and the repatriation of displaced individuals to their homes.
Additionally, Hamas declared its preparedness to engage in a prompt prisoner exchange process leading to the liberation of detainees held by both parties.
Hamas called on the Security Council to exert pressure on the occupying forces to adhere to a ceasefire and halt the atrocities against their people.
The UN Security Council passed its resolution on Monday, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The United States abstained from voting after thwarting previous attempts to issue a resolution by exercising its veto power.
The resolution, supported by 14 members with one abstention, calls for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan, aiming for a permanent cessation of hostilities. It also demands the unconditional release of all hostages.
The United States refrained from vetoing the resolution, marking the first ceasefire resolution adopted by the Council after four previous failures.
During the last vote on the draft resolution, China and Russia exercised their veto power against the American proposal.
The disagreement centered on the American insistence on linking the ceasefire call to a hostage deal and condemning Hamas.
Gaza has endured relentless gunfire, artillery shelling, and airstrikes for over five months, resulting in widespread destruction and forcing many residents to flee to southern areas, particularly to the city of Rafah on the closed border with Egypt.
The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, pushing Gaza’s residents to the brink of famine.
The war erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on May 7, resulting in significant casualties and numerous abductions, with many individuals still being held hostage in Gaza.
On Monday, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a death toll of 32,333, with 74,694 injured, the majority of whom are children and women, after five and a half months of warfare.
