The Biden administration has proposed a three-phase approach to ending the fighting in the Gaza Strip, which was unanimously supported by the UN Security Council on Monday. The plan calls for a complete ceasefire lasting six weeks, with the release of specific hostages and prisoners as part of the initial phase. Subsequent phases involve permanent cessation of hostilities, release of remaining hostages, and initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza. While Hamas welcomed the resolution, it did not formally accept the proposed plan.
The US claims that only Hamas has not yet agreed to the plan, but there has been no official confirmation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Despite this, Russia abstained from the vote, marking the first time since the outbreak of the conflict that the Security Council backed a specific plan for a ceasefire. The resolution is legally binding and urges all parties to implement it without delay or conditions.
In ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held meetings with Israeli officials in Jerusalem. The Security Council’s resolution emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians, advocating for unity between the West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian Authority leadership. Despite international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and humanitarian concerns, achieving peace and stability remains a complex and challenging endeavor in the region.
