Security Council Resolution 2728
Demanding for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Release of Hostages

Days after Russia and China vetoed a U.S. draft resolution, a different version was adopted by a vote of 14-0, with the United States abstaining. The State Department said the resolution “reaffirms the U.S. position that a ceasefire of any duration come as part of an agreement to release hostages in Gaza” and explained the reason it abstained was that it omitted condemnation of Hamas.

The Security Council,

Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling all of its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,

Reiterating its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and in this regard deploring all attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as all violence and hostilities against civilians, and all acts of terrorism, and recalling that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law.

Expressing deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,

Acknowledging the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, aimed at reaching a cessation of hostilities, releasing the hostages and increasing the provision and distribution of humanitarian aid,

1. Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan reshe parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain;
2. Emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip and reiterates its demand for the lpected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the in immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs, and further demands that tifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with the international humanitarian law as well as resolutions 2712 (2023)and 2720 (2023);
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Source: U.S. Abstention from UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza, Press statement, U.S. Department of State, (March 25, 2024).