Akm Shehabuddin Kisslu: The U.N. Security Council approved a U.S. resolution for a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release on Monday, voting 14 to 0, with Russia abstaining, in favor of the measure.
The resolution reiterates a commitment to a two-state solution.
The cease-fire proposal includes three phases. The first, six-week phase would include a complete cease-fire, release of some hostages, prisoner exchange and allow Palestinian civilians to return to their homes in addition to humanitarian aid. The cease-fire would continue as long as negotiations for the first phase continue.
The second phase includes a release of all other hostages in Gaza and a full withdrawal of Israel forces, followed by the third phase of a Gaza reconstruction plan and the return of the remains of any deceased hostages still in Gaza.
The U.S. has been increasingly isolated on the world stage after it previously vetoed three Gaza cease-fire resolutions before the U.N. Security Council. In March, the U.S. abstained in a vote on another cease-fire resolution, which prompted increased tensions with its ally Israel.
The Biden administration has been feeling pressure on its support for Israel as numerous officials have resigned over its Israel policy in recent months.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield argued that this resolution is the one that can make a difference in the crisis.
“The cease-fire deal would pave the way toward an enduring cessation of hostilities and a better future for all,” she said after the vote. “This is an opportunity to chart a different course.”
The United Nations Security Council on Monday afternoon adopted a U.S. draft resolution urging Hamas to accept the latest cease-fire and hostage release proposed deal.
Fourteen members of the council voted in favor of the measure and only one — Russia — elected to abstain. Russia is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council with veto power over resolutions.
