A US resolution aimed at an Israel-Gaza ceasefire has been passed by the UN Security Council.
The proposal calls for a “complete ceasefire”, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of the remains of dead hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
All 14 countries of the 15-member Security Council voted in favor of the resolution. Russia abstained from voting.
The resolution noted that Israel had already agreed to the proposal. Hamas has also been urged to agree.
In other words, the Security Council has discussed this issue with the governments of various countries, including the G-7 alliance of industrialized countries. On May 31, President Joe Biden unveiled the three-step proposal.
The Security Council vote will increase pressure on both sides to respond positively to the resolution to end the conflict.
News of the resolution’s passage at the UN came shortly after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with leaders of several countries, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to drum up support for the peace deal.
Just a few hours before voting at the United Nations, Mr. “If you want a ceasefire, put pressure on Hamas to say ‘yes,'” Blinken urged.