The UK Supports UN Resolution for Ramadan Ceasefire in Gaza

The United Kingdom has supported a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the duration of Ramadan.

This marks the first occasion that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has demanded a halt to the Israel–Hamas conflict.

The resolution, approved on Monday with 14 votes in favor, also requested the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and humanitarian access for aid delivery. However, it did not link the release of hostages to the ceasefire during Ramadan, which extends until April 9.

Officials from Downing Street stated that the UNSC resolution conveyed a clear message for the release of Hamas-held hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza.

The United States, having vetoed three previous ceasefire resolutions and had its resolution vetoed by Russia and China last week, refrained from voting.

During his address to the UNSC, Israel’s ambassador, Gilad Erdan, accused the council of uneven treatment of victims and deemed it “a disgrace” that the resolution did not condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Downing Street informed the press on Monday that the UK’s support for the resolution stems from its continuous advocacy for an immediate humanitarian pause or temporary ceasefire leading to a lasting ceasefire.

“We acknowledge that Israel is still coping with the aftermath of the brutal attacks on Oct. 7 and innocent hostages are still held by Hamas,” stated Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson.

“Israel has the right to defend itself and prevent such an attack from occurring again.”

However, the spokesperson also noted that “far too many” Palestinians have lost their lives “and there is a clear and present danger of a humanitarian catastrophe.”

“This resolution underscores the necessity for the release of all hostages and the scaling up of aid,” the spokesperson added.

When asked about the message the government will convey to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the official remarked, “We would urge both sides to heed this resolution and abide by it.”

When questioned if the UN vote would have an impact, the spokesperson mentioned, “We have witnessed numerous discussions in recent weeks, and we believe that negotiators can come to an agreement on a temporary ceasefire soon.”

During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Minister Andrew Mitchell from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office stated that the government “regrets” that the resolution did not denounce the heinous and brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on Oct. 7.

“The UK unequivocally condemns these attacks,” he informed Members of Parliament, emphasizing, “We have been vocal in advocating for Israel’s right to self-defense and ensuring the prevention of such an attack in the future.”

The minister expressed the UK’s desire for Israelis and Palestinians to live securely and peacefully, highlighting that “an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a lasting ceasefire, is the most effective approach to achieving enduring peace.”

However, Conservative MP Matthew Offord suggested that the resolution could “empower” Hamas, while former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers indicated that her constituents in Chipping Barnet feel “greatly disappointed” by the UN vote.

“The UN resolution has hindered efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, resulting in a breakdown in negotiations earlier today. Hamas has reiterated its uncompromising stances that were previously criticized by the UK,” Mr. Offord remarked.

He raised concerns regarding whether the minister shares his apprehension that “the resolution will not only bolster Hamas, which aims to achieve a ceasefire without freeing the hostages, but also enable them to maintain control over the people of Gaza.”

In response, Mr. Mitchell stated, “It should not do that,” reiterating the government’s disappointment over the absence of condemnation against Hamas.

Ms. Villiers relayed feedback from her constituents, expressing their discontent and questioning how ministers can claim that the UK’s policy remains unchanged when they have just “voted for a resolution that does not condemn the Hamas atrocity of Oct. 7 and disconnects a ceasefire from the release of hostages.”

Mr. Mitchell responded by emphasizing that the resolution clearly outlines “the urgent demand for the unconditional release of all hostages” and that the UK welcomes “the ongoing diplomatic endeavors by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States toward that goal.”