The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan, leading to a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. The resolution, which also calls for the unconditional release of all hostages, was approved by 14 members, with the United States abstaining from voting.
The resolution’s adoption comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with nearly 2 million people reliant on international aid due to the devastating impact of the conflict. The UN has emphasized the need for unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance at scale, citing the enormous needs on the ground.
The US decision to abstain rather than veto the resolution marked a shift in approach, allowing the measure to pass. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure a lasting resolution.
The resolution’s passage has been welcomed by many UN member states, who see it as a crucial step towards reducing violence and alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza. However, its implementation and impact on the ground remain to be seen.
### News in Depth
The United Nations Security Council held a vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, respected by all parties. The resolution, drafted by the council’s 10 elected members, also demands the release of all captives held in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.
*Key Provisions of the Resolution:*
– *Immediate Ceasefire*:
The resolution demands an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, to be respected by all parties.
– *Release of Captives*:
It reiterates the demand for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups following the October 7, 2023, surprise attack in southern Israel.
– *Humanitarian Aid*:
The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid entry into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale.
*Outcome and Reactions:*
– The United States is expected to veto the resolution, according to several UN diplomats. In fact, the US has previously vetoed similar resolutions, including one in November 2023, citing the need for linkage to the immediate release of all captives.
– The vote comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with nearly 2 million people reliant on international aid due to Israel’s war destroying most of Gaza’s food production capabilities.
– The UN has rejected a new system established by an Israeli and US-backed foundation to distribute aid inside Israeli military zones, saying it doesn’t address Gaza’s mounting hunger crisis and allows Israel to use aid as a weapon
*Humanitarian Situation:*
– Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 54,000 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, since the start of Israel’s military campaign.
– The UN says the needs in Gaza are enormous, with only a trickle of aid getting in. Since the complete blockade was partly lifted, just over 620 truckloads have made it from Israel to the Palestinian side of the border crossing, with only about 370 truckloads reaching people in need.
– UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the need for unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance at scale, stating, “The UN must be allowed to work in safety and security under conditions of full respect for humanitarian principles”.
The UN Security Council vote on the Gaza ceasefire resolution happened on two different occasions:
– *March 25, 2024*:
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2728, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war during the month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. It also demands the unconditional release of all hostages. The resolution received approval from 14 members, while the United States abstained from voting.
– *June 4, 2025*:
The UN Security Council held another vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, respected by all parties. The United States vetoed this resolution, with several UN diplomats expecting the veto beforehand.
