TEL AVIV. Israel has declared its intention to persist with military operations in Gaza, dismissing “meaningless” negotiations with Hamas shortly after the United Nations Security Council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan aimed at ending the eight-month conflict.
Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, Israel’s representative to the UN, stated at a UNSC meeting on Monday that Israel’s primary objective is to “ensure that Gaza doesn’t pose a threat to Israel in the future.” She emphasized that the war would continue until all hostages were released and Hamas’ capabilities were “dismantled,” accusing the group of using “endless negotiations… as a means to stall for time.”
The UNSC resolution saw 14 out of 15 members voting in favor, with Russia abstaining. This marks the first time the council has endorsed such a plan to end the war. As Israel is not a UNSC member, it did not participate in the vote.
The three-stage peace deal, initially proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31, outlines conditions leading to the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The resolution has garnered international support, increasing pressure on both Hamas and Israel to cease hostilities.
During his diplomatic trip to the Middle East, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “reaffirmed his commitment” to the ceasefire proposal. Blinken noted that Netanyahu had assured him of Israel’s support for the deal, contingent on Hamas’ agreement.
Netanyahu, however, has reiterated that Israel will continue its operations until Hamas is completely dismantled and all hostages are freed. “The fighting could stop today,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “if Hamas agreed to the deal.”
Hamas welcomed the UNSC resolution, expressing readiness to engage with mediators to implement the plan, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced residents to their homes. Despite these public declarations, detailed negotiations have yet to yield an agreement.
The proposed peace deal includes an initial ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a permanent end to hostilities with a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It also emphasizes the effective distribution of aid and long-term reconstruction efforts in Gaza, rejecting any geographical changes and supporting a two-state solution.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour described the deal as a “step in the right direction,” urging Israel to implement its measures. “The burden is on the Israeli side to implement this resolution,” Mansour said.
Ahead of the UNSC vote, Blinken highlighted the potential benefits of the proposal during his meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, suggesting it could lead to “calm along Israel’s northern border and further integration with countries in the region.” He stressed that the international community, including the US, would support the proposal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
After the resolution’s adoption, Blinken commended Israel’s readiness to finalize a deal and emphasized that the onus is now on Hamas to agree. He also met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reinforcing the importance of the ceasefire plan.
The conflict, which began on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Over 37,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, though these figures cannot be independently verified and do not distinguish between fighters and civilians.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
