The United Nations Security Council adopted a United States-drafted resolution supporting a permanent ceasefire and hostage release proposal in Gaza during a vote on Monday.
The resolution was passed with 14 votes in favor, zero against, and one abstention by Russia, though detailed negotiations to implement the provisions have yet to yield a final agreement between Israel and Hamas.
US Urges Hamas to Accept Terms
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged Hamas to accept the terms, noting that the framework is divided into three phases starting with a temporary ceasefire and ultimately leading to a permanent end to hostilities.
"The fighting could stop today if Hamas would do the same. I repeat: the fighting could stop today," said Thomas-Greenfield.
She added that the United States, Egypt, and Qatar would work to guarantee that both sides follow through with their obligations under the proposed agreement.
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," according to the draft text.
Israel Expresses Reservations
Israel's representative to the UN, Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, expressed reservations about engaging in protracted talks that could be exploited by adversaries, describing them as "meaningless and endless negotiations."
Ben-Naftaly emphasized that Israel's military goals remain focused on eliminating threats and securing the return of captives before the war can conclude, aiming to "ensure that Gaza doesn't pose a threat to Israel in the future."
She reiterated that operations will persist until all key objectives are met, including "bringing hostages back home" and "dismantling Hamas' capabilities."
Ben-Naftaly concluded by defining the exact conditions required for hostilities to cease, stating that "the war will end" only when those conditions are met.
Hamas welcomed the resolution on Monday and stated its readiness to cooperate with mediators to implement the endorsed measures, which include "complete withdrawal [of Israeli forces] from the Gaza Strip, prisoner exchange, reconstruction, the return of the displaced to their areas of residence, rejection of any demographic change or reduction in the area of the Gaza Strip, and the introduction of the necessary aid to our people in the Strip."
The diplomatic push coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel on Monday to urge regional partners to press for the deal's acceptance, specifically to "press Hamas to say yes."
Blinken held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that international leaders stand firmly behind the current proposal, noting that "the United States and other world leaders will stand behind" the deal.
The US State Department noted that Blinken reaffirmed America's support for Israel's defense during his meeting in Jerusalem, "underscored the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security, including through ensuring October 7 can never be repeated."
Blinken also dismissed reports that the US might unilaterally negotiate the release of American citizens held in Gaza, saying, "Let's see if we get an answer from Hamas."
Additionally, US officials told CNN they do not plan to pursue separate agreements apart from the joint diplomatic framework.
"We just don't have any cards to play on this right now," said a US official.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour expressed support for the resolution but emphasized that implementation depends on Israel's actions, calling it a "step in the right direction."
Mansour added that the measure has broad support across the Palestinian territories, representing "all Palestinians," and noted that there was no domestic opposition to the UN's decision.
"I did not hear any Palestinian [say] anything but to welcome this resolution," he said.
The diplomatic developments occurred alongside emerging details regarding a recent hostage rescue operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where Gaza health officials reported that over 270 Palestinians were killed.
Local resident Khalil Al Tirawi described the operation: "They were dressed in military uniforms like resistance fighters, carrying helmets and wearing signs of the [Hamas] resistance, giving the impression to people that they were resistance fighters, but in reality, they were an Israeli special forces unit."
The Israeli military released footage of the operation and confirmed that elite forces rescued the captives under heavy fire, stating that "Yamam and Shin Bet operatives worked simultaneously at two locations to rescue the four hostages, engaging in fierce combat with the terrorists."
During the rescue, helmet camera footage captured the moments security forces located the captives, with an officer saying, "Here, they are here."
The forces then verified the identities of the rescued individuals inside the room.
Medical personnel treating the freed hostages reported that they suffered severe physical and psychological trauma during their eight-month captivity.
Dr. Itai Pessach of Sheba Medical Center said, "It was a harsh, harsh experience, with a lot of abuse, almost every day."
Dr. Pessach emphasized that the prolonged duration of their confinement caused significant systemic health issues, noting that "every hour, both physical, mental, and other types, and that is something that is beyond comprehension."
He added that despite their outward appearance, the individuals suffered from severe muscle wasting: "They had no protein, so their muscles are extremely wasted, there is damage to some other systems because of that."
Following the rescue operation, the World Food Programme temporarily suspended aid deliveries via the US military's floating pier in Gaza due to safety concerns.
A US Agency for International Development spokesperson stated, "WFP has temporarily paused humanitarian maritime corridor operations as the UN conducts a security assessment following security incidents in recent days that have constrained the ability of humanitarian actors to safely operate."
In response to questions about diplomatic relations at the UN, a spokesperson commented on the return of Danny Danon as Israel's permanent representative, saying, "Hope springs eternal."
Meanwhile, tensions escalated on Israel's northern border as Hezbollah claimed responsibility for downing an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon, stating it was "in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip."
