African Union welcomes UN Security Council resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Members of the United Nations Security Council during a meeting aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza on June 10. Courtesy

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday, June 11, welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, Xinhua reports.

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The AU Commission chairperson "welcomes the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024), which endorsed a three-phase ceasefire plan aimed at ending the eight-month war in Gaza," read an AU statement issued late Tuesday.

The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution seeking a comprehensive ceasefire deal in three phases to end the war in Gaza.

Faki affirmed that the latest resolution, which is the fourth since the start of the conflict, renewed hope for diplomacy and political settlement as well as a halt to the dire humanitarian consequences in Gaza.

"The chairperson calls on both Israel and Hamas to unconditionally adhere to this resolution for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and fully implement its terms, without any delay," he said.

He noted that an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities will end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and enable the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and other nationals held hostage.

The AU Commission chief also reaffirmed the full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace, within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant AU and UN resolutions.

Adopted with 14 votes in favor and Russia abstaining, the resolution also urges the two parties of the conflict to fully implement the terms of the proposal "without delay and without condition."