New York, 11 June 2024 (TDI): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) backed a proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on 10 June 2024. The Security Council urged Hamas to accept the deal to end the 8-month War.
According to the reports, Hamas welcomed the adoption proposed by the Biden administration, Hamas said they agreed to cooperate with the mediator over implementing the regulations of the plan.
Hamas responded to the Council, saying, “That is consistent with the demands of our people and resistance.”
In the Security Council Session, 14 members consented to a three-phase ceasefire proposal led by the Biden administration on May 31. In this Session, Russia abstained from the draft.
US Ambassador to UN Response
US Ambassador Linda Thomas said, “Today we voted for peace.”
Moreover, Thomas said, “urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and condition.”
“Today, the UN Security Council sent a clear message to Hamas: Accept the ceasefire-hostage deal on the table. Israel has already accepted this deal. The fighting could stop today – and hostages could come home today – if Hamas agreed to the deal,” Ambassador Thomas added.
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UNSC Members’ Response
Algeria is the only Arab member of the council who supports the resolution. Algeria Ambassador Bendjama said, “We believe it can represent a step forward toward an immediate and lasting ceasefire.”
Additionally, Bendjama said, “It offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians and It’s time to halt the killing.”
“If the negotiations take longer than six weeks for phase one, the ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations continue,” Ambassador Bendjama summed up.
Russian Ambassador Nebenzia said, “What Israel had specifically agreed to and said the Security Council should not be signing up to agreements with vague parameters.”
Moreover, Nebenzia articulated, “We did not wish to block the resolution simply because it, as much as we understand, is supported by the Arab world.”
Israel Ambassador Erdan was present at the session but did not address the council.
Israeli Diplomat Naftaly said, “Israel is committed to these goals – to free all the hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, and to ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.”
The Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The U.S. Qatar and Egypt have been trying to adjudicate a ceasefire. Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire to end this war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
