The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, its ally the Islamic Jihad, and the rival Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas have welcomed a UN Security Council resolution endorsing a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement, Hamas expressed its readiness to cooperate with mediators to implement the plan's principles. Hamas had previously declared that it would only accept a deal ensuring an end to the war in Gaza. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his determination to continue the conflict against Hamas.
"Hamas welcomes the Security Council resolution affirming a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, complete withdrawal, prisoners' exchange, reconstruction, the return of displaced individuals, the rejection of any demographic changes, and the delivery of essential aid to our people in the Strip," the group stated.
The truce accord, outlined by US President Joe Biden last month, envisions a phased ceasefire ultimately leading to a permanent end to the war. However, Israel has agreed only to temporary pauses until Hamas is defeated, while Hamas insists it will not accept a deal without a guaranteed end to the conflict.
With the conflict now in its ninth month, the plan received further backing from the United Nations. Fourteen members of the Security Council adopted the US-drafted resolution supporting the proposal, with Russia abstaining.
Separately, the Islamic Jihad group expressed a positive view of the resolution, especially regarding opening the door to a comprehensive cessation of aggression and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas reiterated its willingness to engage in indirect negotiations to implement the principles aligned with the demands of the Palestinian people and their resistance efforts.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Presidency welcomed the resolution, stating it supports any resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and preserving Palestinian land unity.
Health officials in the Hamas-ruled enclave report that more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's eight-month-long assault on the Gaza Strip. The war began on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting approximately 250 others, according to Israeli sources.
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