Gaza: UN Security Council Adopts US Cease-fire Proposal

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Facts

  • The UN Security Council on Monday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution endorsing a US-backed cease-fire proposal that seeks to end the Israel-Hamas war, which has gone on for eight months.1
  • Adopted with 14 of the 15 Security Council members voting in favor and Russia — which has veto power — abstaining, the resolution calls on Israel and Hamas to implement the proposal's terms 'without delay and without condition.'2
  • The three-phase proposal — announced by US Pres. Joe Biden last month — includes an initial six-week cease-fire and the exchange of some Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.3
  • The second phase consists of a permanent cease-fire and the release of all hostages in further negotiations, while the third phase envisages extensive reconstruction measures.4
  • On Tuesday, Hamas reportedly announced that it accepts the UN resolution and is ready to negotiate details, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling Hamas' response 'a hopeful sign.'5
  • Meanwhile, Israel said it will not engage in 'meaningless' negotiations with Hamas and continue the war until all hostages are released and Hamas' capabilities are 'dismantled.'6

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2UN News, 3Al Jazeera, 4Guardian, 5English and 6CNN.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Washington Post. The resolution's adoption is a significant success for US diplomacy. However, doubts remain, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has already indicated that he will continue military operations until Hamas is defeated. Moreover, parts of the Israeli government reject elements of the plan, which is in line with what Hamas demanded in a previous round of failed negotiations and also provides for a two-state solution.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by AL. While it now plays peacemaker, the US used its veto power to block several earlier resolutions calling for an immediate Israeli-Hamas cease-fire. Washington abstained from a March vote, enabling the adoption of a cease-fire resolution. Meanwhile, another US veto blocked a Palestinian application for full UN membership. It can hardly be assumed that Washington will now pressure Israel to agree to the resolution.

Predictions