Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-26 02:08:25
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in the United States’ position as it did not veto the resolution. The council also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This move comes after months of failed attempts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict that began in October. The growing divergence between the US and its ally Israel over Israel’s offensive in Gaza was evident in the decision not to veto the resolution.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement criticizing the US for abandoning its previous position, which had tied a ceasefire to the release of hostages. The statement expressed disappointment that the US did not veto the resolution, stating that it undermined efforts to secure the release of hostages by giving Hamas false hope that international pressure could lead to a ceasefire without addressing the issue of captives.
Israel’s defense minister declared that Israel would not halt its military campaign in Gaza until all hostages were released. The Palestinian representative to the UN welcomed the resolution but noted that it came after months of violence and suffering in the region.
Hamas, the Palestinian group governing Gaza, also welcomed the resolution and expressed readiness to engage in a prisoner exchange process to secure the release of prisoners on both sides. However, the group emphasized that any hostage release would be contingent on Israel releasing Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
The Security Council vote saw the US abstain while the remaining 14 members voted in favor of the resolution. The US had previously blocked similar resolutions, citing ongoing negotiations for a truce and hostage releases. However, the decision to abstain marked a change in policy, reflecting a harder stance towards Israel.
While the resolution called for a ceasefire during the remaining days of Ramadan, it was legally binding on Israel but not on Hamas due to the group not being a recognized state. The US’ decision not to vote in favor of the resolution was based on its lack of condemnation of Hamas in the text.
Despite Israel’s cancellation of a planned visit to Washington following the resolution, scheduled meetings between Israeli and US officials are set to continue as planned. US officials reiterated their support for Israel in its fight against Hamas, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the face of ongoing conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a high death toll and widespread suffering, with the UN accusing Israel of obstructing aid delivery and Israel blaming the UN for failing to distribute aid effectively. The resolution and subsequent developments underscore the complexity and urgency of the situation, calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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