Gaza cease-fire resolution described as historic

 

International relations expert, Advocate Sipho Mantula, has welcomed the United Nations Security Council resolution, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as a historic moment.

This is the first time the council has agreed to do so in the almost five months since the Israel-Hamas war began.

The resolution comes as pressure mounts on Israel to stop its attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The United States, which has previously vetoed three draft council resolutions for the war to end, on Monday abstained from the vote, whilst 14 Security Council members voted in the resolution’s favour.

Speaking to YNews, advocate Mantula says it remains to be seen whether Israel will adhere to the resolution.

 

The resolution also emphasises the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip.

It also demands the return of about 130 hostages seized in Israel and held in Gaza.

Taking to X, UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres says a lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-State solution.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution also calls for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages.

“This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgiveable,” said @antonioguterres.

— United Nations (@UN) March 25, 2024

Israel has announced that it will no longer approve the delivery of any aid into Northern Gaza.

But Mantula says the UN Security Council has the power to pressure Israel to adhere to the International Criminal Justice’s decision, which ordered Tel Aviv to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid on the Gaza Strip.

 

Mantula says Israel’s continued offensive on Gaza could lead to Tel Aviv’s isolation globally.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has meanwhile cancelled a planned visit to Washington, in protest against the UN Security Council’s decision.

Netanyahu accused the US of retreating from what he said had been a principled position by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the ceasefire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The Israeli delegation was to present White House officials with plans for an expected ground invasion of the strategic Gaza town of Rafah, where over one million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter from the war.

⚡️ Netanyahu cancels the departure of an Israeli delegation for talks at the White house after US didn’t use its Veto in favour of Israel at United Nations Security Council

This development is historic pic.twitter.com/Xehu6pXBK2

— AZ Tonmoy (@Hydra1x5) March 25, 2024

United Nations Security Council adopts resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages.

IN FAVOR: 14
AGAINST: 0
ABSTAIN: 1 (US)

📸Andrew Kelly pic.twitter.com/YwF9Gnu1Gv

— NABA (@naba_pix) March 25, 2024

If resolutions are not binding then why did the US veto the previous ones?#UnitedNations #SecurityCouncil #UN

— Walid Freiha (@walidfreiha) March 25, 2024

United Nations Security Council breaks into applause after the #Gaza ceasefire resolution passed.

This almost never happens! A truly historic moment. Last time this happened was when de Villepin gave a historic speech against the Iraq war in 2003. #NoMoreWars #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/kn8lk6HiJH

— General Strike 🍀(Terrence Daniels) (@Terrence_STR) March 25, 2024

United Nations Security Council has approved a long-awaited resolution on #Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Hopefully, this will be implemented. #Israel #Gaza #IsraelGazaWar #IsraelHamasWar

— Akash Joshi IPS (@IPS_Akash_Joshi) March 25, 2024

Alhamdulillahi!

Finally, the United Nations takes action. https://t.co/Qbbmlpdjp2

— IBRAHIM SHANEEZ (@ibr_shanyz) March 25, 2024

More than 32 000 Palestinians have so far been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel – claiming at least 1 200 lives.