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The Security Council approved a resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Draft Resolution - Algeria, Guyana, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland: draft resolution The Security Council, Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Recalling all of its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Reiterating its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and in this regard deploring all attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as all violence and hostilities against civilians, and all acts of terrorism, Expressing deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Acknowledging the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, aimed at reaching a cessation of hostilities, releasing the hostages and increasing the provision and distribution of humanitarian aid, 1. Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire; 2. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs, and further demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain; 3. Emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip and reiterates its demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law as well as resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023); 4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter. The 10 non-permanent members (E10)-proposed draft was adopted today (25 Mar) in a vote of 14 favour and one abstention (United States). Speaking after the vote, Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Benjama said that today’s resolution conveys a clear message to the Palestinian people: “The international community, in its entirety, did not abandon you.” Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations said, “Once such atrocities are being committed in broad daylight against defenceless civilians, including women and children, the right thing to do the only thing to do morally legally, politically, is to put to put an end to it. There can be no justification for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Accepting any justification for such crimes is renouncing our humanity and destroying the rule of international law beyond repair.” He also said, “This must be a turning point. This must lead to saving lives on the ground. This must signal the end of this assault of atrocities against our people. A nation is being murdered. A nation is being dispossessed. A nation is being displaced for decades now, but never at this scale since the Nakba.” Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan said, “It should be very clear that as long as Hamas refuses to release the hostages in the diplomatic channels, there is no other way to secure their return other than through a military operation.” He concluded, “Sadly, it's for the same reason why you can condemn terror attacks in Russia and Iran, but not in Israel. To this council is Israeli blood is cheap. This is a travesty, and I'm disgusted.” Following the Security Council meeting, Ambassador Pedro Comissario, Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the United Nations, read a joint statement on behalf of the E10 Group (Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland) regarding the adoption. He said “We are happy that the council has successfully adopted the much-needed resolution to demand the immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. It also demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons that they detain.” Also addressing to the press, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, stated, “Security Council resolutions are binding and if Israel is not going to implement it, then it is the duty of the Security Council to use chapter 7 to take measures and punitive measures in order to make them obey the resolution of the Security Council.” Briefing journalists, UK ambassador Barbara Woodward, said, “All barriers to aid delivery need to be lifted. We have not yet seen the improvements that we need to get more aid in. The council's message today is an important one and I reiterate, we call for it to be implemented immediately.” Screenshot Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
