Hamas accepts ceasefire resolution

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council. The United Nations Security Council has voted to support the US resolution backing a ceasefire plan for the war in Gaza.

The proposal sets out conditions for a ‘full and complete ceasefire’, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of dead hostages' remains and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

Fourteen of the 15 Security Council members voted in favour of the US-drafted resolution. Russia abstained.

Israel’s UN ambassador says after the vote on the ceasefire resolution that her country “will not engage in meaningless and endless negotiations, which can be exploited by Hamas”.

It means the Security Council joins a number of governments, as well as the G7 group of the world's richest nations, in backing the three-part plan that was unveiled by President Joe Biden in a televised statement on 31 May. Mr Biden described it then as an Israeli ceasefire proposal.