UN Security Council backs US Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan

The United Nations Security Council has voted to support a US-proposed Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan, BBC reports.

The proposal sets out conditions for a "full and complete ceasefire", the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of dead hostages' remains and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

Fourteen of the 15 Security Council members voted in favour of the US-drafted resolution. Russia abstained.

It means the Security Council joins a number of governments, as well as the G7, in backing the three-part plan that was unveiled by President Joe Biden on 31 May.

According to the report, the resolution states that Israel has accepted the ceasefire proposal, and urges Hamas to agree to it too.

Hamas released a statement on Monday “welcoming” the Security Council resolution. The group is likely to demand guarantees the plan would lead to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, BBC adds.

According to the text of the US draft resolution, the first phase concerns a hostage-prisoner swap as well as a short-term ceasefire. The second phase includes a "permanent end to hostilities", as well as a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third phase focuses on the enclave's long-term outlook, and it would start a multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The conflict began when Hamas attacked Israeli territory last Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel in response launched a military assault on Gaza that has since killed over 37,000 people, according to health officials in the territory.