The United Nations Security Council voted on Thursday to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour, zero against, and two abstentions — from Russia and China.
The resolution, drafted by the United States, calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. It also calls on all parties to refrain from actions that would undermine the ceasefire.
The US vote in favour represents a significant shift from its previous position. Washington had vetoed several earlier ceasefire resolutions, arguing that they were premature or failed to adequately address the hostage situation. The change in position follows months of diplomatic pressure from European allies and Arab states, and comes amid growing domestic political pressure in the United States.
The resolution's practical effect is uncertain. Security Council resolutions are not self-enforcing, and the parties to the conflict have not indicated whether they will comply. The Israeli government said it would "study the resolution carefully". Hamas said it welcomed the call for a ceasefire but that implementation would depend on the terms of any agreement.
Humanitarian organisations welcomed the resolution but cautioned that words on paper needed to translate into action on the ground. The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Gaza said the situation in the territory remained "catastrophic" and that aid delivery had been severely hampered by ongoing hostilities and access restrictions.