Cease-Fire Endorsed by UN Puts Pressure on Israel and Hamas – Will the War Finally Come to an End?

New York, NY – The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution endorsing a cease-fire plan that aims to halt the eight-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, overwhelmingly supported with 14 out of 15 members voting in favor, urges both Israel and Hamas to implement the proposed three-phase plan without delay or conditions.

The resolution comes in response to a cease-fire proposal put forward by President Joe Biden, which Israel has reportedly accepted. While there are uncertainties about whether Israel and Hamas will move forward with the plan, the resolution’s significant backing within the U.N.’s most influential body adds pressure on both parties to agree to the proposal.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the plan for Gaza post-war efforts, while calling for increased international pressure on Hamas to accept the cease-fire proposal. Hamas, in a rare move, expressed willingness to cooperate with mediators to implement the resolution but emphasized their continued resistance against Israeli occupation and pursuit of a sovereign Palestinian state.

The resolution’s adoption sends a strong message to Hamas to consider the present cease-fire deal on the table, which the U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized as the best opportunity to temporarily halt the conflict. The U.S. Deputy Ambassador, Robert Wood, noted the urgent need to end the ongoing aggression and suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

Discussions surrounding the proposed cease-fire deal between Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Qatar highlighted the importance of a lasting peace agreement that includes a permanent cease-fire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, and a significant exchange deal involving hostages and prisoners from both sides.

The war, ignited by Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. The resolution, supporting a three-phase plan led by diplomatic efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aims to bring about a comprehensive cease-fire deal and pave the way for a negotiated two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.

As the global community awaits Israel and Hamas’ response to the cease-fire proposal, the resolution underscores the Security Council’s commitment to achieving peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the need for unity between Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. Efforts to reach an agreement that brings an end to the ongoing conflict continue amidst diplomatic talks and international pressures on both parties.