Security Council Adopts First Gaza Ceasefire Resolution... Israel 'Opposes'

14 out of 15 ISA countries approve
United States abstains

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the 25th (local time) adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict. Israel immediately reacted by canceling the planned dispatch of its delegation to the United States.

The Security Council held an official meeting that day and adopted the resolution with 14 out of the 15 member states voting in favor. The United States abstained instead of exercising its veto power. This resolution was jointly proposed by the 'E10' (Elected 10), the ten elected non-permanent members of the Security Council, including South Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The resolution calls for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire during Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, urging the parties involved in the conflict to comply. It also demands the unconditional release of hostages and guarantees humanitarian access such as medical aid. Furthermore, it calls on the parties to the conflict to comply with international legal obligations related to hostages. Security Council resolutions carry binding force under international law.

This is the first time the Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding a ceasefire concerning the Gaza Strip situation. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, stated, "The United States does not merely rhetorically support this important goal," adding, "Such an agenda can only be realized through diplomacy, and we are working tirelessly on the ground day and night." She emphasized, "We must pressure Hamas so that a ceasefire can be immediately achieved along with the first release of hostages."

South Korea is also reported to have contributed constructively to the discussions by cooperating with other non-permanent members and considering the U.S. position during the adoption process of this ceasefire resolution. Hwang Joon-kook, South Korea’s Ambassador to the UN, stressed at the meeting, "For today’s resolution to have concrete significance beyond internal Security Council politics, it must have a tangible impact on the situation in the Gaza Strip," and added, "The situation on the ground in Gaza must change after the adoption of the resolution, such as saving innocent civilian lives and alleviating the humanitarian crisis."

Immediately after the Security Council resolution, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled the planned visit of a senior delegation to the United States. This is interpreted as a protest against the U.S. not exercising its veto. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, said, "It was Hamas’s massacre that started this war," and expressed regret that "the Security Council is avoiding condemning this." Key Israeli figures, including Foreign Minister Katz, also declared their intention to continue fighting, stating, "Israel will not stop its bombardment."

Hamas welcomed the resolution. In an online statement, it expressed gratitude that the Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire and announced its willingness to exchange hostages and prisoners with Israel. It also called for a permanent ceasefire guaranteeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the return of displaced persons to their homes. Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which has competed with Hamas for leadership of the Palestinian political scene, also welcomed the Security Council resolution.

Following Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7 last year, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, Israel has carried out retaliatory attacks across the Gaza Strip. Since then, the Security Council has pushed for resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, but these efforts were repeatedly blocked by the U.S. veto, as the U.S. is a long-time ally of Israel. Israel has also opposed a ceasefire, arguing that it would only benefit Hamas.

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, a resolution containing ceasefire-related content led by the United States was submitted but was rejected due to vetoes by China and Russia. China and Russia argued that the U.S. proposal did not clearly call for or demand an immediate ceasefire.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.