Palestinian militant group Hamas has accepted a ceasefire resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council, according to a report by Reuters. The resolution, announced on May 31 by US President Joe Biden, had already been accepted by Israel.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri confirmed the acceptance on Tuesday, emphasizing the role of the US in ensuring Israeli compliance. “The US administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war in implementation of the UN Security Council resolution,” Zuhri told Reuters. He urged the US to ensure Israel abides by the resolution.
The UN resolution outlines a comprehensive approach to end the violence in Gaza, which erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages taken. Some hostages are believed to still be alive. Since October, Israel has launched extensive air and ground strikes on Gaza, resulting in at least 37,000 deaths.
The resolution calls for an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, along with the release of hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded. It also demands the return of the remains of deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the resolution focuses on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza and the return of Palestinians to their homes and neighborhoods, particularly in northern Gaza. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian aid in the besieged territory.
The second phase proposes a permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories. The final phase aims to establish a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza and ensure the return of the remains of any deceased hostages still in Gaza to Israel. The ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations progress, even if they extend beyond six weeks in the first phase. The resolution also explicitly rejects any attempts to alter the demographic or territorial boundaries of the Gaza Strip.
The UN Security Council reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, highlighting the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
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