New York City, NY – A groundbreaking three-phase ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been given the green light by the UN Security Council. The resolution, drafted by the United States, received overwhelming support from 14 out of 15 council members, with only Russia abstaining from the vote.
The ceasefire proposal calls for both Israel and Hamas to adhere to the terms outlined in the resolution “without delay and without condition.” The extensive plan consists of three distinct phases, each designed to bring a lasting end to the violence and pave the way for reconstruction and peace in the region.
US President Joe Biden unveiled the details of the proposal during a speech at the White House on May 31. The initial phase involves a comprehensive ceasefire lasting six weeks, during which Israeli forces would retreat from densely populated areas in Gaza. Hamas, in turn, would release a specified number of hostages, such as women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow unimpeded, with 600 trucks granted access to Gaza daily as civilians return to their homes and communities. President Biden emphasized that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would commence during this period and continue until an agreement is reached.
The subsequent phase, according to Biden, entails a “permanent cessation of hostilities.” This stage would see the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, including male soldiers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite the progress, the president acknowledged the need for detailed negotiations to transition from phase one to phase two effectively.
The final phase of the ceasefire plan focuses on initiating a large-scale reconstruction effort in Gaza, which has suffered immense devastation from the conflict. Additionally, any remains of deceased hostages would be returned to their families as part of the recovery process.
Israel’s stance on the ceasefire initiative remains firm, with the government asserting its primary goal of eradicating Hamas in response to attacks on October 7. Israeli representative Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly emphasized the need to neutralize Hamas’ threat to Israel’s security and reiterated that the war would not cease until all hostages were returned and Hamas’ capabilities dismantled.
In contrast, Hamas swiftly embraced the UN resolution’s adoption, with official Sami Abu Zuhri expressing readiness to engage in negotiations and uphold the agreement. While Hamas accepted the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the exchange of hostages for detainees, the group emphasized the importance of US intervention to ensure Israel abides by the terms of the resolution.
As the ceasefire proposal gains momentum, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed optimism about Israeli leaders’ willingness to advance the peace plan. With crucial milestones to achieve in each phase, the path to lasting peace in Gaza lies in the commitment of all involved parties to adhere to the agreed-upon terms and work towards a sustainable resolution.