Australia welcomes UNSC ceasefire resolution

Australia welcomes today’s UN Security Council resolution in support of a comprehensive ceasefire, a permanent end to hostilities and the start of reconstruction in Gaza.

That no country voted against the resolution underlines the international community’s view that this war must end.

Algeria, China, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom all supported the resolution put forward by the United States.

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.”

The three-phase proposal presented by President Biden offers the best pathway out of this conflict. 

The resolution again reiterates international commitment to a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders.

Australia will continue to work with countries that support peace to press for agreement to this proposal. Any delay will only see more lives lost.

Civilians must be protected, aid must flow at scale and hostages must be released.