UN Security Council Approves Biden’s Proposed Ceasefire Deal for Gaza
The Biden administration has emphasized that the cease-fire proposal described on May 31 aligns with the latest terms Israeli negotiators have presented to Hamas.
President Joe Biden announced on May 31 that the United Nations Security Council voted in favor of a U.S.-led resolution supporting a Gaza cease-fire proposal.
Thirteen out of the 15 Security Council members, including the U.S. delegation, supported the deal. Russia, one of the permanent members with veto power, abstained from the vote.
President Biden outlined that the first phase of the plan would involve at least a six-week cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, release of certain hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the daily delivery of food to Gaza.
He mentioned that phase two would depend on negotiations and that the peace established in the first phase would continue if negotiations progress. Success in negotiations would lead to the release of Israeli military captives by Hamas, Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire.
The president outlined the final phase involving reconstruction in Gaza and the delivery of deceased hostages’ remains by Hamas.
The Biden administration has emphasized that the cease-fire proposal he described on May 31 is in line with the latest terms Israeli negotiators have offered Hamas.
Despite internal disagreements among Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet, the Biden administration has maintained that Israel supports the cease-fire proposal, leaving it up to Hamas to accept the terms and end hostilities.
“Today, this council sent a clear message to Hamas: accept the ceasefire deal on the table,” said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas Greenfield following the vote on Monday.
Previous attempts to stop the Gaza conflict have caused division within the Security Council.
This is a developing story and will be updated.