Gaza: US abstention on ceasefire vote is significant and reflects growing global consensus war must stop
It's clear the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza cannot be allowed to continue after today's ceasefire resolution.
Monday 25 March 2024 18:51, UK
It's been a long time coming but the United Nations Security Council has finally agreed to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The difficulties in getting to this point were reflected in the applause that broke out in the chamber after the vote went through.
The resolution was put forward by the non-permanent members - 14 members voted in favour with only the US abstaining.
On previous occasions, it has used its power of veto to support its ally Israel.
The fact the Americans did not this time makes this a significant moment and reflects the growing global consensus that the war must stop.
"This resolution rightly acknowledges that during Ramadan, we must recommit to peace," the US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council chamber.
She said: "Hamas can do that by accepting the deal on the table. A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage. And so we must put pressure on Hamas to do just that."
"This is the only path to securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as we have all called for today. That is what this resolution means: a ceasefire of any duration must come with the release of hostages."
The resolution is difficult to legally enforce but it has real moral weight making it hard to ignore.
The secretary-general Antonio Guterres took to X to say it must be implemented.
"The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office cancelled a delegation to the US in response to America not using its power of veto - a sign of the anger in Jerusalem.
It accused America of abandoning its policy noting that just a few days ago it supported a Security Council resolution linking the call for a ceasefire with the release of hostages.
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What this means going forward is hard to decipher but Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant has stated that Israel has no moral right to stop the war in Gaza until all the hostages are returned.
Meanwhile, Hamas has welcomed the Security Council's call and affirmed their "readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process" that would see the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
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In the background to the UN vote, negations in Qatar have continued. The Israeli team returned at the weekend saying there was a 50-50 chance that a deal could be done.
Whatever happens, it's clear that the humanitarian catastrophe that is Gaza cannot be allowed to continue.
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The UN is warning there's an unprecedented risk of famine particularly in the north of the enclave.
A ceasefire is needed urgently so that aid deliveries can be ramped up dramatically.