Veronica Makhoali26 March 2024 | 6:30

International Relations Dept urges UN Security Council member states to support 'immediate ceasefire' resolution

The Security Council has adopted a resolution for an 'immediate ceasefire' for the duration of the holy month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks.

International Relations Dept urges UN Security Council member states to support 'immediate ceasefire' resolution

FILE: An Israeli battle tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on 2 December 2023 amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas. Picture: AFP

JOHANNESBURG - International Relations' director-general Zane Dangor has called on member states of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to fulfill their legal responsibilities and implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution for an "immediate ceasefire" for the rest of the holy month of Ramadan, which will end in the next two weeks.

The resolution was adopted on Monday.

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Dangor said the decision to call for a ceasefire has ended a five-month stalemate in which the US had vetoed three previous attempts.

He further stressed the importance of achieving a permanent ceasefire that extends beyond Ramadan, as well as the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“Article 25 of the charter makes Security Council resolutions binding on all member states. So while we think that Israel may continue to disregard the UN Security Council's resolutions as they've done for many years before that there will be counter-measures put in place if they don't abide, and that includes other forms of sanctions."