UN Security Council passes resolution for Gaza ceasefire, Secretary-General Guterres calls for UN resolution adherence

NEW YORK — The UN Security Council reached a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during Ramadan and the unconditional release of hostages held by the Hamas movement.

Fourteen countries voted for the resolution, while the US abstained. Israel expressed dissatisfaction with the US’s decision, leading to the cancellation of a planned delegation visit to Washington, D.C., due to the lack of a veto.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the US’s action represented a clear retreat from its firm position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz also confirmed that Israel would not cease its military operations despite the issuance of the UN Security Council resolution. He indicated that Israel intends to continue fighting until all hostages are returned and the Hamas movement is dismantled.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for the implementation of the first resolution issued by the UN Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“This decision must be implemented, noting that failure to do so would be unforgivable,” Guterres declared via X, formerly Twitter.

The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2024