Arab nations welcome UNSC resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza

For the first time, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has passed a resolution calling for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

While the US abstained, the remaining 14 council members voted for the resolution on Monday which called for truce leading to a "lasting, sustainable ceasefire" and demanded that Hamas free captives seized on 7 October.

Many Arab nations welcomed the resolution:

Palestine

Palestine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the UNSC's resolution for a ceasefire, calling it a step in the right direction in stopping the war on Gaza.

It urged the UNSC to assume its responsibilities in protecting Palestinian civilians and to fulfill its legal obligations in securing a ceasefire that extends beyond Ramadan and to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates // The ceasefire must always be permanent and sustainable#Gaza_under_attack#CeasefireNow#Palestine#Israeliwarcrimes pic.twitter.com/vR9DfJYstK

— State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) March 25, 2024

Algeria

Amar Bendjama, Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said the council was "finally shouldering its responsibility as the primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security" and "responding to the calls of the international community".

"We look forward to the commitment and the compliance of the Israeli occupying power with this resolution for them to put an end to the bloodbath without any conditions to end the suffering of the Palestinian people."

Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain has also welcomed the UNSC's resolution, saying the resolution was a "pivotal step towards a permanent ceasefire, providing protection for civilians, and opening safe and sustainable humanitarian corridors…especially food, medical and relief supplies, and rejecting the forced displacement of the population", Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The ministry also reiterated the kingdom's "unequivocal position" call to end the war on Gaza, accept Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, and grant Palestine their "legitimate" right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, by the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions.

Egypt

Egypt has also welcomed the UNSC resolution, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying in a statement: "The Arab Republic of Egypt welcomes the Security Council's adoption of a resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the month of Ramadan—for the first time since the beginning of the crisis and following the Security Council's repeated inability to reach a resolution demanding a permanent ceasefire."

The ministry also added the country's call for an "immediate implementation of the ceasefire".

Qatar

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resolution. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the ministry hopes the resolution will permanently cease hostilities in the strip.

Statement | Qatar Welcomes UN Security Council resolution Calling for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/9GjGkbV7mL

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 25, 2024

Iraq

The Iraqi foreign ministry has welcomed the resolution, stressing the importance of the parties' complying with international law, expanding the flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and enhancing their protection.

"The Ministry reiterate its calls on the international community to assume its responsibility towards stopping the Israeli occupation's attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip and affirm the necessity of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and enabling them to obtain their rights of living in safety," the Foreign Ministry added.

Jordan

Jordan's foreign ministry spokesperson, Sufian Qudah, has welcomed the resolution and hopes it will end the hostilities.

Qudah also stressed that Israel must adhere to the decision and highlighted the significance of the resolution as a foundation for future peace efforts.

Kuwait

The State of Kuwait welcomed the resolution, reaffirming its position in supporting Palestine, and its political right and right to self-determination, and establishing an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministry also condemned the UNSC for its inability to carry out its responsibilities to stop the war on Gaza during the past five months.

Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the resolution, saying the decision "constitutes the first step towards halting Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip", while calling on Israel to implement the provisions of the resolution, providing Palestinians with aid and assistance.

The minister also renewed his call on countries to exert pressure on Israel to stop its bombardment against southern Lebanon.

Somalia

Somalia has applauded the UNSC's call for an immediate ceasefire, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, as a "crucial advancement towards enhancing peace and stability in the region" and called on all stakeholders to ensure the resolution's success.

The statement, posted on X, reads: "Somalia vehemently advocates for an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes and the realization of a viable two-state solution."

#Somalia welcomes #UNSC Resolution No. 2728, concerning the #Gaza situation, applauding its call for an immediate ceasefire, particularly during #Ramadan, as a crucial advancement towards enhancing peace and stability in the region.
🔗➡ https://t.co/iFCGHKh5d1#Somali #Palestine pic.twitter.com/MdnsIsEgb5

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇸🇴 (@MOFASomalia) March 25, 2024

Libya

Libya has also welcomed the resolution, highlighting the country's support for Palestine and their pursuit of an independent state, and calling on the international community to fulfill their responsibility towards Israel's war on Gaza.

"Libya's steadfast stance in all Arab and international forums calling for effective action to achieve a permanent and lasting cessation of aggression against Gaza and contribute to alleviating the suffering of Palestinians," the statement read.

Oman

Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resolution in a statement, affirming the country's support for all UN resolutions related to establishing peace in the region and calling on the Security Council to implement its resolutions, protect Palestinian civilians, and recognise the state of Palestine following international law.

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the resolution in a statement on X.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed its call on the international community to take responsibility for stopping Israel's war on Gaza and the necessity of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, and providing them with hope. It also emphasised the need for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the issuance of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, leading to a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, and the release of all hostages. pic.twitter.com/XUlPxHpv7E

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 25, 2024

Tunisia

The Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UNSC resolution, calling for the importance of respecting the decision and to implement it "immediately and conditionally" while also calling for the protection of Palestinian civilians and to put an end to the siege.

The ministry also called for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as stressing the "legal and moral duty and responsibility" to end the war and give Palestinians the right to an independent state.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE has "strongly welcomed" the UNSC's adoption of a resolution with the hope it will lead to the end of the war in Gaza.

The nation also stressed the importance of returning to negotiations for a two-state solution while affirming that the UAE will continue to intensify efforts to end the suffering in Gaza with its partners.