Hamas welcomes the proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, a US resolution that was also adopted by the UN Security Council.
Unlike previous draft resolutions, this version states that Israel has accepted the American proposal.
TV4: Middle East correspondent Terese Cristiansson believes that the willingness is forced from both sides, but that a solution may come soon.
What does this mean?
That the UN Security Council voted yes to the resolution on a cease-fire in Gaza puts great pressure on both Israel and Hamas. In the past, the outside world, as it appears within the walls of the Security Council, has been divided on the issue, but this time everyone voted in favor, except for Russia, which abstained. Decisions in the Security Council are binding on member states and if they are not followed, sanctions can be imposed.
Can we expect both parties to accept?
The decision must be followed by member states, which makes the current resolution complicated because Hamas is not a recognized government but a terrorist organization. But countries such as Qatar are close to Hamas and will pressure them. The fact that Hamas already said on Monday that they are positive about negotiating the agreement that is on the table indicates that there is a forced willingness on both sides to negotiate. Israel has already said yes to at least parts of the proposal.
What will happen now?
It is likely that both parties will quickly move on and negotiate the ceasefire proposal that is on the table. Even since a draft of the proposal was presented in May, both sides have been positive about the first part with a six-week ceasefire and exchange between hostages and Palestinian prisoners. But the Israeli government and Hamas have not agreed on what should happen next. Most likely, all the focus will be on finding a solution on paper that both parties can accept. It may happen in the near future, if it happens.