The UN Security Council voted 14-1 today for a draft resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, but it failed due to the veto of the United States. The resolution had been sponsored by the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC, Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
The text reaffirmed the Council’s earlier call for the “immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups,” expressed grave concern over the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza, including the risk of famine, and reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. As such, it demanded the “immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions” on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling for safe and unhindered access for UN and humanitarian partners across the enclave.
Otherwise, it gave support for the ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive the phased ceasefire framework outlined in last year’s resolution 2735, which envisions a permanent cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of a long-term reconstruction plan.
