World reacts to Security Council's Gaza ceasefire resolution
5 Min Read
How did the world react to the UN Security Council's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza?
-
UN Ambassadors Vasily Nebenzya of Russia and Zhang Jun of China speak with ambassadors of Arab countries before a Security Council meeting and vote on a resolution on Gaza at UN Headquarters, on Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The UN Security Council on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza five months into the Israeli war on the Strip.
Here are some reactions to the resolution to halt fighting over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with an aim for a "lasting" truce, which drew rare applause at the Security Council:
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for swift implementation of a ceasefire after "Israel" voiced anger over the resolution.
"Failure would be unforgivable," Guterres wrote on X.
Hamas
Hamas welcomed the resolution while saying it was ready to negotiate the release of captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
"We also affirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides," the Palestinian Resistance group added.
'Israel'
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the UN vote "hurts both the war effort and the effort to release the abductees."
"It gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to accept a ceasefire without the release of our abductees," the statement said. It also took aim at the US abstention, calling it a "clear retreat" from its earlier position.
Netanyahu announced on Monday that he will not send a team to Washington after the US declined to veto the resolution.
Palestinian Authority
Hussein al-Sheikh, minister for civilian affairs of the Palestinian Authority hailed the resolution in a post on X.
"We call for a permanent cessation to this criminal war and Israel's immediate withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," he wrote.
United States
Following the vote, the United States said a ceasefire can "only" be implemented once Hamas begins releasing captives it still holds.
"A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
After the United States vetoed previous drafts, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that the US decision to abstain from Monday's vote does not represent a "shift in our policy".
Arab League
The Arab League's Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the decision "comes late".
"The lesson now is to implement the decision on the ground, stop military operations and Israeli aggression immediately and completely," he added.
European Union
Top European Union officials welcomed the resolution, calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all captives.
"Implementation of this resolution is vital for the protection of all civilians," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
Egypt
The resolution "represents the first important and necessary step to stop the bloodshed," the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement to the UN.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh stressed that the international community must "shoulder its responsibility" to stop the Israeli aggression on civilians in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the necessity of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Iran
The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry considered that the Security Council's resolution is a positive but insufficient step, pointing out that the most important step would be to comprehensively implement the resolution, sustainably halt the Israeli aggression, and end the Israeli-imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip.
France
France's UN representative called for a sustained truce between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance beyond the ongoing month of Ramadan.
"This crisis is not over," said Nicolas de Riviere. "After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire."
Iraq
Baghdad's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein applauded the resolution in a statement and stressed "the importance for the parties to respect their obligations under international law."
Jordan
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry expressed hope that 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 Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip."
He also called for a political solution "to end the conflict and give the Palestinians their rights."
Qatar
Qatar said it hopes the resolution "represents a step towards a permanent cessation of fighting in the Strip."
Doha has been engaged in weeks of mediation between "Israel" and Hamas to secure a truce in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal.
South Africa
South African Foreign minister Naledi Pandor welcomed the resolution on public radio but stressed that "the ball is in the court of the Security Council."
The Netherlands
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the next step was "to stop the violence, free the hostages, immediately send in vastly more humanitarian aid to Gaza and find a lasting solution."
Turkey
Turkey called the resolution and the prospective return of humanitarian access to Gaza "a positive step."
"We hope that Israel will comply with the requirements of this resolution without delay," Turkish foreign affairs spokesman Oncu Keceli wrote on X.
Colombia
"I invite the world's nations if Israel breaks this ceasefire to break diplomatic relations with this country," said Colombian President Gustavo Petro on X.
Read more: Palestinian factions, officials hail UNSC res., urge implementation
