PEACE CALLS
United Nations Security Council passes resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan
Hamas are still refusing to free captives
THE United Nations Security Council passed a resolution yesterday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan.
It led to Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu cancelling a planned visit to Washington by a delegation, accusing the US of withdrawing from “its consistent position”.
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The Muslim holy month finishes on April 9 and there are hopes the proposed two-week pause will herald “a permanent sustainable ceasefire”.
But Israel was set to ignore the UN directive yesterday and press on with its mission to smash the last Hamas terror stronghold in besieged Rafah.
The US abstained from the vote, with the 14 other security council members — including Russia, China and the UK — voting in favour.
The resolution also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages plus more humanitarian aid.
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But Hamas was yesterday still refusing to agree to free captives snatched when its savages massacred 1,200 on October 7.
Earlier in March a senior US official said the path to a ceasefire was "straightforward" as the two sides prepared to resume talks, reported.
"The path to a ceasefire right now literally at this hour is
straightforward. And there's a deal on the table.
"There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it."
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"The onus right now is on Hamas."
Negotiators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar drafted the proposal that included Hamas freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a six-week ceasefire.
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