New York: Several countries have called for swift implementation of the UN ceasefire resolution adopted on Monday following the Security Council passed the resolution for ceasefire in Gaza five months into the grinding war.
Israel’s ally the United States abstained the vote.
Majority nations have reacted to the resolution to stop fighting over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with an aim for a “lasting” truce.
United Nations
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, called for swift implementation of a ceasefire as Israel expressed anger over the resolution.
“Failure would be unforgivable,” Guterres wrote on X.
Hamas
The fighter group welcomed the UNSC resolution to stop fighting in Gaza, as they expressed their willingness to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“We also affirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides,” Hamas said.
Israel
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the UNSC 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.
Palestinian Authority
Minister for civilian affairs of the Palestinian Authority, Hussein al-Sheikh, 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,” wrote the Minister of the Palestinian Authority which has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
United States
Following the adoption of the UNSC, the United States said a ceasefire can “only” be implemented once the fighter group begins releasing hostages it still holds.
“A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN said.
The United States had vetoed previous drafts. John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, told media 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 was of the view that 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 said.
EU
Top officials from the bloc welcomed the UN resolution, calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
“Implementation of this resolution is vital for the protection of all civilians,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
Egypt
The African nation welcomed the resolution following the UNSC’s “repeated inability” to demand a ceasefire.
“It represents the first important and necessary step to stop the bloodshed,” a statement issued by the Egyptian ministry of foreign affairs said.
France
France’s UN representative called for a sustained ceasefire between the warring parties; Israel and Hamas, 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
Iraq applauded the resolution in a statement issued by the foreign minister and stressed “the importance for the parties to respect their obligations under international law”.
Jordan
In a statement, Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah stressed “the necessity of building on this decision”.
He also expressed hope that “the Security Council and the international community would take action to safeguard the two-state solution and ensure the establishment of an autonomous and sovereign Palestinian state”.
Qatar
Qatar said it hopes the resolution “represents a step towards a permanent cessation of fighting in the Strip”.
The emirate has been engaged in weeks of mediation between Hamas and Israel to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
South Africa
Country’s Foreign minister Naledi Pandor welcomed the UNSC resolution on public radio and also stressed that “the ball is in the court of the Security Council”.
Spain
Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez welcomed the UN resolution, saying it was “in line with what Spain has been saying since the start of the conflict.
“The realization of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security is the only realistic and viable solution for the region,” he wrote on X.
The Netherlands
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte welcomed the UNSC resolution, adding, “What is now needed is to stop the violence, free the hostages, immediately send in vastly more humanitarian aid to Gaza and find a lasting solution.”
The country’s far-right leader, Geert Wilders, who swept to victory in recent polls, voiced support to “my Israeli friends in fighting Hamas”.
“The UN, USA and Europe don’t understand you are fighting an existential war. Against the dark forces of hate and destruction called Hamas,” he said on X.
Turkey
Turkey termed the resolution and 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.
Amnesty International
Secretary General Amnesty International, Agnes Callamard said the resolution is “long overdue”.
“This resolution must be accompanied by a shift in political pressure, including an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo,” Callamard said.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch’s UN lead Louis Charbonneau called for Israel to halt “unlawful attacks” and Palestinian armed groups to “immediately release all civilians held hostage”.
“The US and other countries should use their leverage to end atrocities by suspending arms transfers to Israel,” Charbonneau added.
Oxfam
Oxfam’s UN representative Brenda Mofya said the resolution should provide “much-needed respite from the relentless and devastating Israeli violence”.
“It is imperative for Member States to fulfil their obligations to ensure that it is implemented,” she added.
