UNSC Voted on US Resolution for Ceasefire in Gaza

New York, The United Nations (UN) Security Council on Monday adopted a US-drafted resolution supporting US President Biden's proposal for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. 14 out of the Security Council's 15 member states voted in favor, while only Russia abstained. The resolution, like Biden's proposal of May 31st, envisages a three phase approach to ensure a lasting and comprehensive end to the fighting. Phase one includes an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire with the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, the return of Palestinians to their homes and neighborhoods throughout the enclave, including in the north, as well as the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale. Phase two would see a permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all other hostages still in Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In phase three, a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaz a would begin. The Council also underlined the proposals provision that if negotiations take longer than six weeks for phase one, the ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations continue. In the resolution, the Security Council rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of the enclave. The text also reiterates the Councils unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Source: Qatar News Agency