UN Security Council Adopts US Draft Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire. 14 Countries Support Document, Russia Abstains

The UN Security Council has voted to adopt a draft resolution calling for agreement on US President Joe Biden's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, The Guardian reports .

Fourteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, Russia abstained.

The plan includes three stages, the first of which involves a temporary ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas militants and the handing over of the bodies of the dead hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, BBC News reports . The second stage involves a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, as well as a "permanent cessation of hostilities."

The third phase will begin a large-scale plan to rebuild the region with support from the United States and the international community.

In her speech after the resolution was adopted, US Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield welcomed the Security Council's decision, noting that "today we voted for peace."

The resolution says Israel has agreed to the US-proposed plan. It calls on Hamas to also support the proposal. "Urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without conditions," Reuters quotes the resolution as saying.

Shortly after the UN Security Council decision, Hamas announced that it welcomed the approval of the resolution. However, it remains unclear whether the group intends to implement the ceasefire plan, The Guardian notes. The publication also writes that despite the fact that the resolution states that the plan is supported by Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made critical remarks about it. In particular, he said that any proposal for a long-term ceasefire is futile without the complete destruction of Hamas' military potential.

• Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. Following the attack, IDF forces began fighting in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry claims that more than 37,000 people have been killed in the Israeli military operation.