Norway welcomes adoption of UN Security Council resolution on Gaza

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – Norway on Tuesday welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the UN Security Council aimed at ending the war in Gaza, suggesting that the move underlines the commitment of member states to a two-state solution.

The Security Council on Monday overwhelmingly approved the resolution endorsing a cease-fire plan announced by President Joe Biden.

"Norway welcomes UNSC resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. It represents hope for the people of Gaza who for more than 8 months have suffered a horrific war," the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

"The resolution also underlines the member states unwavering commitment to a two-state solution."

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza since a Hamas attack last Oct. 7, 2023. More than 37,000 Palestinians have since been killed, most of them women and children, and many more injured.

Vast tracts of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

The UN Security Council called on Israel and Hamas “to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.”

The resolution, proposed by the US, received 14 votes in favor at the 15-member Security Council, with Russia abstaining.

Biden on May 31 provided a three-phase plan that would end hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held in the coastal enclave. The plan includes a cease-fire, a hostage-prisoner exchange and reconstruction of Gaza.

The council’s decision was welcomed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Biden has said on numerous occasions that the plan has already been “accepted” by Israel and offered to Hamas. Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu, however, is said to have denied that the plan could end the war.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in its latest ruling has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.