The United Nations Security Council made a historic decision yesterday by passing a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza for the remaining two weeks of Ramadan. This resolution comes after a five-month impasse, during which the U.S. vetoed multiple calls to end the ongoing conflict in the region.
The resolution, which passed with 14 votes in favor, demands the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages. However, it does not make the cease-fire conditional on the release of hostages, addressing one of Israel’s objections to the measure. It remains uncertain whether Israel or Hamas will adhere to the resolution’s call for a halt in hostilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the U.S. for abstaining from the vote, stating that it harms the war effort and the liberation of hostages. As a result, he announced the cancellation of a planned high-level delegation to Washington. President Biden had requested the meeting to discuss alternatives to a planned Israeli offensive into Rafah, which American officials warned would lead to a humanitarian disaster.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the Israeli military reported surrounding a hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and continuing a raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in the north for an eighth consecutive day.
This resolution marks a significant step towards peace in the region, but the true test lies in whether the involved parties will adhere to the cease-fire and work towards a lasting solution to the conflict in Gaza.
