The UN Security Council (SC) on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after five months of fierce war, although Israel’s ally, the United States, abstained.
Here are some reactions to the resolution to halt fighting during the holy month of Ramadan with the aim of achieving a “lasting” ceasefire, which was applauded in the Security Council:
United Nations
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire after Israel voiced its anger over the resolution.
“Failure cannot be forgiven,” Guterres wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Hamas
Hamas welcomed the resolution to stop fighting in Gaza and said it was ready to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“We also affirm our readiness to immediately engage in a prisoner exchange process leading to the release of prisoners on both sides,” the militant group said.
Also read: Finally, the UN Security Council demands a ceasefire in Gaza
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the UN vote “harms the war effort and efforts to free the abductees”.
“This gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to accept a ceasefire without the release of our kidnapped victims,” the statement said. They also took aim at the US abstention, calling it a “clear retreat” from its previous position.
Palestinian Authority
Hussein al-Sheikh, the civil affairs minister of the Palestinian Authority which has partial administrative control of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, praised the resolution in a post on X.
Also read: US wants a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas is reluctant
“We call for a permanent end to this criminal war and Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the Gaza Strip,” he wrote.
United States of America
After the vote, the United States said a ceasefire could “only” be implemented after Hamas began releasing hostages it still held.
“A ceasefire could begin immediately with the release of the first hostages,” said US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Also read: UNSC Failed to Stop Genocide in Gaza
After the United States vetoed an earlier bill, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters the US decision to abstain from the vote did not represent “a shift in our policy”.
Arab League
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the decision was “taken too late”.
“The lesson now is to implement decisions on the ground, stopping Israeli military operations and aggression immediately and completely,” he added.
Also read: Support for a ceasefire in Gaza overflows at the UN General Assembly
European Union
Top European Union officials welcomed the resolution, calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
“Implementation of this resolution is essential to protect all civilians,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote in X.
Egypt
The resolution “represents an important and necessary first step to stop the bloodshed,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement to the UN.
Also read: Jordan and the US Discuss Accelerating a Ceasefire in Gaza
French
France’s representative at the UN called for a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after the ongoing month of Ramadan.
“This crisis is not over,” said Nicolas de Riviere. “After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, a permanent ceasefire must be called.”
Irak
Baghdad’s foreign minister praised the resolution in a statement and stressed “the importance of the parties respecting their obligations under international law”.
Also read: Hamas reveals the causes of the failure of the ceasefire in Gaza
Jordan
Jordan’s foreign ministry expressed hope the UN and international community would “take action to safeguard the two-state solution and ensure the establishment of an autonomous and sovereign Palestinian state”.
Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati hailed the “first stage in the process of ending Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip.”
He also called for a political solution “to end the conflict and provide rights to Palestinians”.
Also read: Hamas: There is still a long way to go to achieve a ceasefire agreement
Qatar
Qatar hopes the resolution “represents a step towards a permanent cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip”.
The gas-rich emirate has been involved in mediation for weeks between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
south Africa
Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor welcomed the resolution on public radio but stressed “the decision rests with the Security Council”.
Also read: US President Joe Biden hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza next week
Spanish
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in X praised the resolution, saying “the realization of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security is of great importance.” the only realistic and feasible solution for this region”.
Dutch
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the next step was to “stop the violence, free the hostages, immediately send more humanitarian aid to Gaza and find a long-term solution”.
The country’s right-wing leader, Geert Wilders, who swept to victory in recent elections, in X voiced his support for Israel “against the dark forces of hatred and destruction called Hamas”.
Also read: Coalition of Arab Countries Urges UNSC to Take Action to Save Gaza
Turki
Turkey called the resolution and the prospect of returning humanitarian access to Gaza a “positive step”.
“We hope that Israel will comply with the terms of this resolution without delay,” wrote Turkish foreign affairs spokesman Oncu Keceli in X.
Chile
Chile’s foreign ministry said it was “important to advance a two-state solution, allowing Palestinians and Israelis to live peacefully within internationally recognized borders.”
Also read: King of Jordan urges ongoing Gaza ceasefire in talks with Biden
Colombia
“I invite the countries of the world if Israel violates this ceasefire to sever diplomatic relations with this country,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro on X.
LSM
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the resolution was “long overdue” and called for an “immediate and comprehensive arms embargo”.
Human Rights Watch head of the UN Louis Charbonneau called on Israel to stop “unlawful attacks”, for Palestinian armed groups to “immediately release all civilians held hostage”, and for the US and other countries to stop “weapon transfers to Israel”.
Oxfam’s UN representative Brenda Mofya said the resolution should provide “much-needed respite from Israel’s relentless and devastating violence”. (AFP/Z-3)
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