Resolution for ceasefire in Gaza passes –

For the first time since the beginning of the crisis, the UN has said yes to a resolution on Gaza. The United Nations Security Council has approved a draft resolution for an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States abstaining without vetoing. Previous attempts to pass a resolution were blocked by vetoes from the US, China and Russia. All the other 14 countries voted in favor of the text.

It was the ambassador of Mozambique, Pedro Comissário Afonso, who presented the resolution, supported by Algeria, Guyana, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland, recalling that the 10 elected members of the Council have consistently supported other ceasefire declarations. “We proposed the current resolution which calls for an immediate ceasefire during the holy period – he said, referring to Ramadan – which at the same time leads towards a permanent and sustainable ceasefire. The draft calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and stresses that humanitarian access be permitted to address all medical and humanitarian needs in Gaza.” Before the vote, Russia attempted to change the text to reestablish a previous version that included the permanent word for an immediately requested ceasefire. But Russia’s attempt failed.