After nearly eight months of conflict in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 2735 (2024), calling for a three-phased ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. 14 of the 15 countries in the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, with Russia abstaining.
Similar to the ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden, the UNSC resolution outlines a three phase plan to halt the fighting without delay.
Phase 1 includes a complete and immediate ceasefire, a release of hostages, as well as a withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza.
Phase 2 includes a permanent end to the hostilities, including a continued ceasefire if negotiations last for more than 6 weeks. The resolution also states that “the Council also rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the Strip’s territory.”
Finally, phrase 3 includes a multi-year reconstruction effort for Gaza.
Fighting in Gaza continues despite the UNSC resolution. So far, there is no conclusive agreement to the ceasefire proposal from either side.
