New York, 10 June 2024
The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 2735 (2024). The Resolution welcomes the new ceasefire proposal announced on May 31, which Israel accepted, calls upon Hamas to also accept it, and urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.
The Resolution further notes that the implementation of this proposal would enable the following outcomes spread over three phases:
Phase 1: an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire with the release of hostages including women, the elderly and the wounded, the return of the remains of some hostages who have been killed, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli forces from the populated areas in Gaza, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north, as well as the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout the Gaza Strip to all Palestinian civilians who need it, including housing units delivered by the international community;
Phase 2: upon agreement of the parties, a permanent end to hostilities, in exchange for the release of all other hostages still in Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza; and;
Phase 3: the start of a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of the remains of any deceased hostages still in Gaza to their families.
The Resolution further rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of Gaza, as well as reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stresses the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
The Resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russian Federation).
Source – United Nations
Statement by the High Representative on the adoption of UN Security Council resolution
The European Union welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2735, supporting the new ceasefire proposal announced on 31 May.
The European Union calls for its immediate implementation, as well as the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions 2728, 2720 and 2712.
The EU recalls its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by United States President Joe Biden. We urge both parties to accept and implement the three-phase proposal.
The EU stands ready to contribute to reviving a political process for a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the Two-State solution, and to support a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza.
Further information
- Resolution 2728: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
- Resolution 2720: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
- Resolution 2712: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question