The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, welcomed, on Monday 25 March, the adoption earlier in the day of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728 on Gaza.
For the first time since 7 October, the UNSC voted by 14 votes in favour, with one abstention from the United States, demanding an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan leading to a lasting one. The resolution also demands the permanent and unconditional release of all hostages. Unlike the text proposed by the United States on Friday, which was blocked by Russian and Chinese vetoes, this resolution does not link these demands to ongoing diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States for a truce and an exchange of Palestinian hostages and prisoners.
According to the High Representative, the text also stresses “the need to expand the flow of aid and to protect civilians”. “It needs to be implemented by everyone as a matter of urgency”, he stressed on X (formerly Twitter).
In response to the vote, Israel denounced the United States’ abstention, described the US position as a “clear step backwards” and cancelled the visit of a delegation to Washington. Hamas “welcomed” the Council’s call for an immediate ceasefire. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)