Morocco Welcomes UN Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza, Urges Immediate Action

Wednesday 12 June 2024 - 12:05

Despite the resolution’s passage, doubts linger about Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire terms.

In a significant diplomatic development, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, announced today that the Kingdom welcomes the United Nations Security Council’s recent adoption of Resolution No. 2735. This resolution, aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza, delineates a comprehensive ceasefire plan.

Bourita made these remarks during a press conference in Rabat, following his discussions with Tanja Fajon, Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European and Foreign Affairs.

The US-proposed resolution outlines a three-stage plan: a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, an exchange of captives and prisoners, the facilitation of large-scale humanitarian aid, and a reconstruction plan for the devastated region. Resolution No. 2735 passed on Monday with an overwhelming majority, 14 votes in favor and one abstention from Russia.

Bourita hailed the resolution as a “positive step” towards ending the destructive conflict, aligning with King Mohammed VI’s calls for an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire. The King, as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has emphasized the necessity of ensuring unrestricted aid through all crossings, preventing civilian displacement, and recognizing Gaza as an integral part of Palestinian territories, Bourita noted.

The minister further articulated that the resolution supports the monarch’s vision of a two-state solution grounded in international law and legitimate international resolutions. He stressed that negotiations are pivotal to achieving this objective.

Morocco hopes all parties will adhere to the resolution, thereby alleviating the immense suffering endured by Gaza’s civilians over the past eight devastating months since October 7.

Reports from international sources, including Reuters, confirmed today that Hamas has accepted the terms of the ceasefire agreement and expressed its readiness to engage in indirect negotiations through mediators.

On the Israeli side, US President Joe Biden, who announced the plan on May 31, claims that the Israeli government has accepted the resolution. However, skepticism persists regarding Israel’s commitment, given its history of non-compliance with previous resolutions.

Following Biden’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his intentions to continue “military operations” in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. Furthermore, NBC News quoted a senior Israeli official, who contended that Biden’s portrayal of the proposal was “not accurate,” asserting that the president had only presented a partial version of Israel’s proposal.

As diplomatic discussions continue, Gaza’s death toll has tragically climbed to 37,000, with relentless bombardment from Israeli forces targeting civilians.