EU calls for ‘immediate implementation’ of UNSC cease-fire resolution
The European Union has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution on the latest cease-fire proposal in Gaza and called for its “immediate implementation.”
“The European Union welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2735, supporting the new ceasefire proposal announced on 31 May,” it said in a statement.
“The EU recalls its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by United States President Joe Biden. We urge both parties to accept and implement the three-phase proposal,” it added.
“The EU stands ready to contribute to reviving a political process for a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two-state solution, and to support a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza.”
Egypt, UK welcome cease-fire resolution
Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and militant group Hamas, welcomed the passage of the resolution put forward by the US at the Security Council on Monday, a statement from the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Additionally, the UK ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, said in remarks the situation in Gaza was “catastrophic,” adding that the “suffering has gone on for far too long.”
She called upon the warring parties to “seize this opportunity and move towards lasting peace which guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
According to the US, the cease-fire proposalapproved by the UN Security Council will ultimately see a “permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all other hostages still in Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.”
‘We voted for peace,’ says US ambassador to UN
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, concluded her remarks at the UN Security Council after the passage of the resolution.
“Today, we adopted a fourth resolution on this conflict,” she said. “For the fourth time, we have spoken out and made clear that the only way to end this cycle of violence and build a durable peace is through a political settlement.”
That, she said, is dependent on ensuring that Israel no longer “lives in the shadow of a terrorist group” such as Hamas and that it will “always have the right to defend itself against threats to its security.”
But she said it is also dependent on progress being made towards a two-state solution.
“Today we also reaffirmed our commitment to the vision of two states where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and where a revitalized and reformed Palestinian Authority leads a united West Bank and Gaza,” she said.
“This is the future that we must help bring about. And it all starts with the cease-fire deal that this council endorsed today. And that this council unequivocally calls on Hamas to accept. Today, we voted for peace,” she added.
US says security council vote ‘sends clear message’ to Hamas
The United States ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, has welcomed the vote in favor of the ceasefire deal and called on Hamas to accept it.
“Today, this council sent a clear message to Hamas: accept the ceasefire deal on the table,” she said, adding that Israel has already agreed to it.
“The fighting could stop today if Hamas could do the same,” she said. “I repeat: the fighting could stop today. This Council, and countries across the region and the world, have endorsed this agreement.”
She said the vote showed that the international community is “united.”
“United behind a deal that will save lives and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza start to rebuild and heal. United behind a deal that will reunite hostages with their families after eight months in captivity.”
Repeating US President Joe Biden‘s words that “the Palestinian people have endured sheer hell in this war” which she reiterated was “started by Hamas,” Thomas Greenfield said that the warring parties could count on international mediators to ensure the ceasefire deal’s implementation.
“Egypt and Qatar have assured the United States that they are continuing to work to ensure that Hamas engages constructively,” she said. “And the United States will continue to ensure that Israel lives up to its obligations as well, assuming Hamas accepts the deal.”
