UNSC votes for Gaza ceasefire resolution

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday (June 10) adopted a US-drafted resolution supporting a ceasefire plan in Gaza, as Washington leads an intense diplomatic campaign to push Hamas to accept the proposal.

The text, passed with 14 votes in favour and Russia abstaining, welcomes the truce and hostage release proposal announced on May 31 by President Joe Biden, and urges parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.

The resolution says Israel has accepted the truce plan, and calls upon Hamas to also accept it, reports AFP.

Hamas said Monday that it "welcomes" the vote.

The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has been widely criticized for having blocked several previous UN draft resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Under the proposal, Israel would withdraw from Gaza population centers and Hamas would free the hostages. The ceasefire would last an initial six weeks, with it extended as negotiators seek a permanent end to hostilities.

The "text is not perfect," said Algeria's UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama. "But it offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians, as the alternative is continued killing and suffering."