UN Council Backs Gaza Ceasefire Plan

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on June 10, 2024, endorsing a United States-backed proposal for a "full and complete ceasefire" in Gaza. This significant development, reported by Al Jazeera, aims to halt the devastating conflict that has ravaged the enclave for months.

www.aljazeera.com reported, The resolution, known as 2735, outlines a comprehensive three-phase plan designed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. According to Reuters, it received overwhelming support, with 14 votes in favor and Russia abstaining.

Central to the proposal are provisions for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a substantial reconstruction effort. The New York Times noted that these elements address key demands from both sides.

www.aljazeera.com noted, Israel has expressed varying degrees of acceptance, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stating the war would continue until Hamas is destroyed. However, Israel's UN envoy, Gilad Erdan, affirmed the country's commitment to the proposal, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, also welcomed the resolution, indicating a readiness to engage in negotiations regarding its implementation. Al Jazeera reported that Hamas reiterated its core demands for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal.

www.aljazeera.com reported, The US, which drafted the resolution, has urged both parties to fully accept and implement the terms without delay. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation during recent diplomatic efforts, according to CNN.

• The UN Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted on June 10, 2024, represents a concerted international effort to end the conflict in Gaza. This resolution, backed by the United States, builds upon a proposal initially outlined by President Joe Biden, aiming to establish a durable peace, as reported by the Associated Press. It marks a critical moment after numerous failed ceasefire attempts since the conflict began.
• The three-phase plan detailed in the resolution begins with an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire lasting six weeks, coupled with the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Phase two involves a permanent cessation of hostilities and the release of all remaining living hostages, while phase three focuses on a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of deceased hostages' remains, according to White House statements.
• Key stakeholders, Israel and Hamas, have shown conditional acceptance, highlighting the complex path ahead. Israel maintains its war aims of dismantling Hamas's capabilities and securing all hostages, while Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before any final agreement, as detailed by BBC News analysis. These differing priorities present significant negotiation challenges.
• The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with UN agencies reporting widespread displacement, famine warnings, and a catastrophic loss of life. Over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 84,000 injured, according to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry cited by Al Jazeera. The resolution aims to facilitate a massive increase in humanitarian aid to alleviate this crisis.
• The United States played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for the resolution, reflecting increased international pressure for a ceasefire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in extensive shuttle diplomacy in the region, urging leaders to support the proposal. The vote, with 14 members in favor and Russia abstaining, underscored broad international consensus, as noted by Reuters.
• Despite the resolution's passage, significant obstacles remain, primarily the deep-seated mistrust between Israel and Hamas. Implementing the phases will require robust mediation from countries like Qatar and Egypt, along with continuous international oversight. The lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for the resolution also poses a challenge, according to expert analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations.
• The resolution's potential implications extend beyond Gaza, impacting regional stability and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A successful ceasefire could open avenues for renewed diplomatic efforts towards a two-state solution, while failure risks further escalation and destabilization across the Middle East, as discussed by analysts in The Guardian.
• Future steps will involve intensive indirect negotiations to finalize the details of each phase and secure firm commitments from both parties. The international community will likely focus on monitoring compliance and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, while also preparing for the immense task of rebuilding Gaza, a process expected to take many years, according to UN officials.