Security Council calls for war’s end

GAZA: UN ORGAN URGES HAMAS TO FREE HOSTAGES US abstains, as 14 other members vote in favour of resolution.

After more than five months of war, the UN Security Council yesterday for the first time demanded an immediate ceasefire after the United States – Israel’s ally which vetoed previous drafts – abstained.

Drawing unusual applause in the often staid Security Council, all 14 other members voted in favour of the resolution which “demands an immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The resolution calls for the truce to lead to a “lasting, sustainable ceasefire”, and demands that Hamas and other militants free hostages seized on 7 October.

Russia at the last minute objected to the removal of the word “permanent” ceasefire and called a vote, which failed to gain passage.

The successful resolution was drafted in part by Algeria, the Arab bloc’s current member on the Security Council, with a diverse array of countries, including Slovenia and Switzerland.

The US has vetoed previous bids for a ceasefire but has shown growing frustration with Israel, including its stated plans to expand its military operation to the packed southern city of Rafah.

A change in tone toward its ally was seen on Friday when the US put forward a resolution to recognise “the imperative” of an “immediate and sustained ceasefire”.

But that text was blocked by Russia and China, which – along with Arab states – criticised it for stopping short of explicitly demanding Israel halt its campaign.

The US had repeatedly blocked ceasefire resolutions as it attempts to walk a line between supporting Israel with military aid and voicing frustration with leader Benjamin Netanyahu as the civilian death toll mounts.

Unlike Friday’s text, the call for a ceasefire in the new resolution is not directly linked to ongoing talks, led by Qatar with support from the US and Egypt, to halt fighting in return for Hamas releasing hostages.

Israel has criticised the Security Council for previous resolutions that have not specifically condemned Hamas.

The 7 October attack by the Palestinian militant group on Israel resulted in the deaths of about 1 160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli figures. Hamas also seized 250 hostages, of whom Israel believes around 130 remain in Gaza – including 33 presumed dead.

Israel’s military campaign in response to eliminate Hamas has killed more than 32 000 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.