Egypt calls for immediate implementation of UN resolution for Gaza cease-fire

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Egypt called Monday for an immediate implementation of a UN Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

A statement by the Foreign Ministry said Egypt welcomed the UN resolution despite its imbalance and limited timeframe.

"Egypt calls for the immediate implementation of the cease-fire in a way that opens the way for dealing with all elements of the crisis," it added.

It said the adoption of the resolution “represents an important and necessary first step to put an end to the bloodshed and prevent more Palestinian civilian casualties and to provide the opportunity for humanitarian aid to enter the strip.”

"Egypt will continue its tireless efforts with international and regional parties to contain the Gaza Strip crisis as quickly as possible," it added.

The UN Security Council on Monday passed a resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which already began on March 11 and is set to end on April 9.

As many as 14 countries voted in favor of the resolution, presented by 10 elected members of the Council, while the US abstained from voting.

The resolution called for an "immediate cease-fire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire."

It also demanded the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs."

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Palestinian territory since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed.

More than 32,333 Palestinians have since been killed and over 74,694 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war, now in its 171st day, has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar