The United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing a permanent ceasefire and hostage release proposal to end the conflict in Gaza.
The measure received 14 votes in favor, with Russia abstaining.
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Israel's Stance: Military Objectives First
Israel's UN representative, Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, stated that the country intends to complete its military objectives before halting operations.
She warned against "meaningless and endless negotiations."
Ben-Naftaly emphasized Israel's commitment to long-term security, saying the goal is to "ensure that Gaza doesn't pose a threat to Israel in the future."
She reiterated the primary aims of "bringing hostages back home" and "dismantling Hamas' capabilities."
The diplomat defined the conditions for ending the war: "the war will end" only when those objectives are met.
Palestinian Envoy Welcomes Resolution
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour called the resolution a "step in the right direction" and said it was welcomed by "all Palestinians."
He added that he "did not hear any Palestinian [say] anything but to welcome this resolution."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged regional partners to "press Hamas to say yes" to the proposal.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stressed that "the fighting could stop today if Hamas would do the same." She noted the resolution "rejects any geographical changes" to Gaza.
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Hamas issued a statement demanding a "complete withdrawal [of Israeli forces] from the Gaza Strip, prisoner exchange, reconstruction, the return of the displaced, and the introduction of necessary aid."
