Today, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution, demanding an “urgent and unconditional” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in order to provide humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the violence. The resolution was adopted unanimously and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities that would last for a “more sustainable ceasefire”, as well as establishing safe, protective and humanitarian corridors for the delivery and distribution of essential essentials in Gaza.
The Security Council called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in and around Gaza in order to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and to facilitate the lifesaving and humanitarian activities in the region to alleviate the suffering of the population. The resolution further calls on parties to respect their obligations under international law, including respecting the inviolability of the UN and other international humanitarian and rights organizations.
In its resolution, the Security Council also reaffirmed its strong support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. It further urged the parties to engage in further negotiations in pursuit of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace settlement that meets the legitimate national aspirations of both sides and establishes a just, viable and durable peace.
The Security Council has also expressed its support for the deployment of an international monitoring mechanism to assist with ensuring timely and effective implementation of the resolution’s provisions, including facilitation of medial and humanitarian aid, and called upon the parties to continue to create the conditions necessary for the return of the displaced populations to their homes.
The resolution was co-sponsored by China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and comes after more than two weeks of intense hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who praised the adoption of the resolution, stating that it would provide immediate relief to civilians in the region.
Though today’s resolution marks a significant step forward towards achieving peace and security in the violent region, it is only the start of an arduous journey. The Council has made it clear that the cessation of hostilities must be permanent and must be followed by immediate negotiations in pursuit of a lasting solution based on a two-state solution. It is now incumbent upon the parties to uphold their obligations under the resolution and to continue their negotiations in pursuit of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.