Gaza Ceasefire Resolution: What Does it Mean for Palestinians?
New York, 25 March 2024: The United Nations Security Council has finally adopted a ceasefire resolution after six months of failing to halt the Israeli onslaught on civilians in Gaza. The resolution calls for an “immediate” ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
Additionally, the resolution mandates an immediate ceasefire that will remain in effect until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In essence, this signifies that the ceasefire would last for approximately two weeks or potentially longer, given that half of the month of Ramadan has already transpired.
The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2024
While the resolution has garnered considerable support from the international community, urging its implementation, there remains a significant question mark regarding what Palestinians stand to gain from it. Will they be safe once the holy month of Ramadan ends? Will they be able to return to their homes securely? Will Palestinian hostages in Israeli prisons be safely released?
Also Read: UN Security Council Passes Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire
Currently, nobody has definitive answers to these questions. However, one thing is abundantly clear: unless the ceasefire becomes permanent, Palestinians will not benefit from yet another temporary resolution. Implementing this ceasefire resolution without subsequent negotiation for a permanent ceasefire agreement will leave Palestinians even more vulnerable to Israeli aggression.
Notably, the resolution fails to permanently safeguard the fundamental rights to life and safety for Palestinians; it merely ensures the safe return of Israeli hostages. Analysts have highlighted a critical flaw in the resolution, emphasizing that the ceasefire will only last a few weeks. Moreover, the resolution’s call for the return of hostages lacks any security guarantees that an “immediate” ceasefire would precede a permanent one.
