The United Nations Security Council has unanimously backed a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas, outlining a path towards a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal was drafted by US President Joe Biden and welcomed by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, and the Palestinian Authority.
The deal envisages a stage-wise ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of a complete cessation of hostilities. However, Israel has stated that it will only end the war when Hamas is completely defeated, leaving open the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions from the international community. The United States and its allies have welcomed the proposal, while Russia has abstained from voting, expressing concerns about its vague parameters.
The ceasefire proposal comes after weeks of intense fighting between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, mostly Palestinians. The conflict began after Hamas fired rockets into Israel, and Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza.
The UN Security Council has called on both sides to implement the ceasefire immediately and has urged Hamas to accept the deal. It remains to be seen whether the ceasefire will hold, but it represents a glimmer of hope for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza.
