UN successfully adopts Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza

UN Security Council Passes Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza

The UN Security Council on 25th March 2024, Monday, passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan. The resolution, known as Resolution 2728, was tabled by the Council’s 10 non-permanent members (E-10) and was adopted by a vote of:

  • 14 in favor
  • 0 against
  • 1 abstention (United States)

Key Provisions of Resolution 2728

Resolution 2728 includes several key provisions aimed at ending the violence and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

  1. Immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan
  2. Immediate and unconditional release of hostages
  3. Urgent need to expand the flow of aid into Gaza

The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.

Situation in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with a significant number of casualties and widespread destruction. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, between October 7, 2023, and March 25, 2024:

  • At least 32,333 Palestinians were killed in Gaza
  • 74,694 Palestinians were injured

Displacement and Destruction

Israel’s military operation has had a severe impact on the Palestinian population in Gaza:

  • Approximately 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced
  • Massive destruction has occurred across the Gaza enclave

The scale of displacement and destruction has further exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Gaza.

conditions in Gaza
conditions in Gaza

Casualties and Captives in Israel

The conflict has also resulted in a significant number of casualties and captives in Israel:

  • Over 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, mostly on October 7, the day of the Hamas attack
  • As of March 25, Israeli authorities estimate that 134 Israelis and foreign nationals remain captive in Gaza, including fatalities whose bodies are being withheld

The high number of casualties and captives has added to the complexity of the situation and the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict.

What Led to the UN Security Council’s Resolution for a Ceasefire in Gaza?

The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. The attack resulted in:

  • The deaths of over 1,300 Israelis
  • Hundreds of Israelis being taken hostage

In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and initiated a devastating aerial and ground offensive in Gaza.

As the conflict escalated, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated rapidly:

  • The UN warned of an imminent famine
  • Essential services were on the verge of collapse

The adoption of the resolution 2728 followed intense negotiations among Security Council members, with some countries pushing for stronger language condemning Hamas and others emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The United States, which has traditionally vetoed resolutions critical of Israel, chose to abstain in this instance, citing the dire humanitarian situation and the need to end the conflict.

How Have Previous UN Resolutions on Gaza Fared?

The UN Security Council has adopted several resolutions related to Gaza in the past, with varying degrees of success. Here are two notable examples:

  1. In 2009, following the Israeli offensive known as “Operation Cast Lead,” the Council adopted Resolution 1860, which called for:
  • An immediate ceasefire
  • The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza

While the resolution helped to end the fighting, it did not address the root causes of the conflict or prevent future escalations.

  1. In 2014, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2139, which demanded:
  • An end to the blockade of Gaza
  • The expansion of Israeli settlements

However, the resolution was not fully implemented, and the situation in Gaza continued to deteriorate.

What Are the Next Steps Following the Resolution?

The adoption of the Security Council resolution is only the first step in the process of achieving a lasting ceasefire and peace in Gaza. The UN, member states, and parties to the conflict must now work together to:

  • Implement the resolution’s provisions
  • Create conditions conducive to a negotiated settlement

This may involve:

  1. The deployment of international monitors to oversee the ceasefire
  2. The provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population
  3. The initiation of diplomatic efforts to address the underlying causes of the conflict

The role of regional actors, such as Egypt and Qatar, will also be crucial in facilitating negotiations and ensuring compliance with the resolution.

The Role of the UN Security Council

The UN Security Council is the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Its intervention in the Gaza conflict aims to:

  • Halt the violence
  • Pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict
UN Security Council in session
UN Security Council in session

The Need for a Lasting Resolution

The UN Security Council‘s call for an immediate ceasefire is an important step towards ending the violence in Gaza. But a lasting resolution to the conflict will require:

  • Addressing the root causes of the conflict
  • Ensuring the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians
  • Providing humanitarian aid and support for the people of Gaza

The international community have to work together to support a peaceful and just resolution to this long-standing conflict.

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