The United Nations Security Council started its session to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza by observing a moment of silence due to the Moscow attack. A new draft resolution for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza was put to vote at the UN Security Council. The draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire was accepted by the council.
The draft resolution prepared by the temporary members Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland was voted in the 15-member UNSC.
The bill was accepted with 14 “yes” votes and 1 “abstention” vote. The United States abstained from voting. After long negotiations, the phrase “permanent ceasefire” was agreed upon in the draft resolution. The US delegation requested changes to the draft text at the last minute, replacing the term “permanent” with “permanent”. Thus, it is thought that the USA added flexibility to the ceasefire process. Russia’s amendment proposal to change the statement to its original version before the vote was vetoed by the USA.
After October 7, a resolution requesting a ceasefire in Gaza was adopted by the UNSC for the first time.
IT WAS DEMANDED THAT THE RAMADAN CEASE CEASE SHOULD BE TURNED INTO A PERMANENT FIRE!
In the decision, the UNSC’s decisions regarding the Palestine issue adopted so far were reminded and it was stated that all parties have the obligation to comply with international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
In the decision, attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructures and all kinds of terrorist acts were condemned, and it was stated that taking captives was a violation of international law.
The resolution underlined deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and acknowledged the diplomatic efforts carried out by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
The resolution requested “an immediate ceasefire to be respected by all parties during Ramadan, leading to a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and requested access to provide humanitarian and medical aid to the hostages.
The decision called on the parties to fulfill their obligations under international law towards the people they held captive.
The decision underlined the importance of urgently increasing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and also demanded that all obstacles be removed to protect civilians and provide the necessary humanitarian aid.
In the decision, it was emphasized that the situation would be closely monitored.
STATEMENT FROM TURKEY
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Keçeli said, “We see it as a positive step. Our wish is that Israel fulfills the requirements of this decision as soon as possible.”
REACTION FROM ISRAEL TO THE USA! THEY CANCELED
Following its adoption, with the US abstaining, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled the Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington.
Stating that the USA has changed its stance, Netanyahu said, “The fact that the USA did not veto the UNSC’s ceasefire call shows that it has changed its policy.” The Israeli leader claimed that this change of attitude would greatly harm Israel’s efforts in the war and the release of the hostages.
The White House, on the other hand, said that the ‘abstention’ vote given in the UNSC did not mean a fundamental change in the US’s Gaza policy. Stating that they had no information about Israel canceling the diplomatic visit, White House Representative Kirby said, “We leave the decision of whether to come or not to the Israelis. If the delegation does not come, the USA will continue to meet with its Israeli counterparts.”
USA’S DRAFT DECISION!
The US draft resolution, which was put to vote on March 22 and vetoed by China and Russia, was opened to negotiations on February 20. The bill was limited to a call to support diplomacy by associating the ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages.
Pointing out the importance of turning the ceasefire to be achieved through diplomatic efforts into a sustainable ceasefire, the bill pointed out that “Hamas and other terrorist and extremist groups do not represent the Palestinian people” and that Hamas “has been declared a terrorist organization by some member states.” In the UNSC, where many sessions were held regarding Gaza after October 7, 2023, 10 draft resolutions were put to vote today.
Along with this decision, decisions numbered 2712 and 2720 were also accepted.
(AA)