Here are some reactions to the resolution to halt fighting in Gaza over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with an aim for a "lasting" truce, which drew rare applause at the Security Council:Hamas - Palestinian resistance movement Hamas welcomed the resolution saying it was ready to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.Israel - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the UN vote "hurts both the war effort and the effort to release the abductees".Palestinian Authority - Hussein al-Sheikh, minister for civilian affairs of the Palestinian Authority hailed the resolution in a post on X. "We call for a permanent cessation to this criminal war and Israel's immediate withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," he wrote.United States - Following the vote, the United States said a ceasefire can "only" be implemented once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds.EU - Top European Union officials welcomed the resolution, calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. "Implementation of this resolution is vital for the protection of all civilians," EU President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.France - France's UN representative called for a sustained truce between Israel and Hamas beyond the ongoing month of Ramadan.Spain - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez applauded the resolution, saying it was "in line with what Spain has been saying since the start of the conflict.The Netherlands -Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte welcomed the resolution, adding, "What is now needed is to stop the violence, free the hostages, immediately send in vastly more humanitarian aid to Gaza and find a lasting solution."The country's far-right leader, Geert Wilders, voiced support to "my Israeli friends in fighting Hamas".Turkiye - Turkey called the resolution and prospective return of humanitarian access to Gaza "a positive step".
March 25, 2024 | 10:54 PM