Gaza ceasefire due to observance of Ramadan; UN Security Council passes resolution

NEW YORK: The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the first time. The US abstained from the voting while 14 other members voted in favour.

The resolution calls for the release of those held hostage by Hamas terrorists and an immediate ceasefire in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. Both sides should then move towards a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Israel's ally, the US, has blocked previous ceasefire resolutions brought by various countries. Abstention this time is a reflection of US displeasure with Israel. Russia and China vetoed the resolution, first presented by the US last week for a ceasefire. Russia also criticized the US as a bogus resolution not to put pressure on Israel.

The alternative resolution prepared by the 10 elected members of the committee, including Algeria, Slovenia and Switzerland, was passed today.

The Israel-Hamas war, which began in October, has killed 32,300 Palestinians so far.

The resolution must be implemented otherwise it will be an unforgivable mistake. Israel must abandon plans to launch a ground attack on the city of Rafah

- Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General