For the first time the UN security council (UNSC) has voted for a call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

This came after the US abstained, rather than using its veto as it has done on previous occasions.

The resolution that passed was written by the 10 elected members to the council, and proposed in the chamber by Mozambique’s representative.

14 members of the UN security council voted for the resolution, while the U.S abstained.

The resolution demands a temporary ceasefire during the remainder of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, adding that it should lead to a “lasting sustainable ceasefire.”

In a late amendment demanded by the US, the word “lasting” was substituted for “permanent,” to Russian objections.

Russia’s effort to restore the word “permanent” was defeated by eleven votes to three.

The resolution also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs

It adds that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain

At the last minute, the US asked for an amendment adding a condemnation of Hamas for its attack on Israel on 7 October leading to urgent huddles of diplomats on the chamber floor but dropped that demand when it became clear the amendment would be resisted.

At the UN security council meeting, US Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticised what she called the cynical approach of Russia and China.

“Just last week, Russia and China vetoed a resolution that condemned this horrific attack, a resolution the vast majority of this council supported,” she stated.

“They have shown time and time again that they are not actually interested in advancing a durable peace through diplomatic efforts,” she added.

“Nor for all their rhetoric are they interested in making any meaningful contributions to humanitarian efforts. Instead, they are using this devastating conflict as a political cudgel to try to divide this council at a time when we need to come together. It is deeply deeply cynical. And we should all see through it.”
Linda Thomas-Greenfield

In addition, she said that the U.S was disappointed that the resolution still does not go far enough as to condemn Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Stating the reason why the US abstained, she uttered, “We did not agree with everything in the resolution. For that reason, we were unfortunately not able to vote yes.”

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier threatened to cancel a planned delegation to Washington if the US did not exercise its veto.

Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid described Netanyahu’s threat as “alarming irresponsibility from a Prime Minister who has lost it.”

Resolution Welcomed

Algeria’s representative, Amar Bendjama welcomed the resolution’s passing, saying the Security Council is “finally shouldering its responsibility as the primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.”

“I would like to thank all the council members for their flexibility and the constructive way that allowed us today to adopt this long-awaited resolution,” Bendjama voiced.

“[A] resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in order to put an end to the massacres that unfortunately are still ongoing over the five months,” Bendjama iterated.

She added, “This bloodbath has continued for far too long.”

UN Chief, Antonio Guterres posted on X, “This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.”

Moreover, Louis Charbonneau, UN Director at Human Rights Watch, stated that Israel “needs to immediately respond” to the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution “by facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, ending its starvation of Gaza’s population, and halting unlawful attacks.”

Charbonneau added in a statement, “Palestinian armed groups should immediately release all civilians held hostage. The US and other countries should use their leverage to end atrocities by suspending arms transfers to Israel.”