The Israel-Hamas war|The reactions

The UN Security Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

The UN Security Council calls for an "immediate" and "permanent" ceasefire in Gaza for the first time in a resolution, reports AFP.

The council is calling for the ceasefire to begin during the ongoing Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends on April 9. They also demand that Hamas release the hostages "immediately and unconditionally".

The United States, which has previously vetoed similar resolutions several times, abstained. The other 14 council members voted yes.

........................................ 

Netanyahu disappointed with the US - talks trip cancelled

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is backing away from the decision to send a delegation to the United States to negotiate the planned military operation in Rafah. This after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, writes AFP.

- We are very disappointed that they are not coming to Washington to discuss with us appropriate alternatives to ground troops entering Gaza, says White House spokesman John Kirby.

The fact that the United States did not veto the resolution represents a "clear retreat" from its previous stance, and gives Hamas hope that international pressure can lead to a ceasefire without the release of the hostages, according to Netanyahu.

The White House insists that the resolution does not represent a policy shift on the American side.

............................................
 
Macron: Moving from Rafah would be a war crime

If Israel forcibly relocates Gaza refugees from Rafah, it would be a war crime. French President Emmanuel Macron said so in a telephone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, according to AFP.

Macron also condemned Israel's taking of 800 square meters of new land in the Gaza Strip, and said he intends to present a new resolution for an immediate ceasefire to the UN Security Council.

It is not clear how the Israeli prime minister responded to Macron's statements.Macron: Förflyttning från Rafah vore krigsbrott

...............................................

Expert: Consequences if Israel refuses to listen to the UN

Although the UN resolution on a cease-fire in Gaza increases diplomatic pressure on Israel, it is unlikely that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will accept the demand. That's what Middle East expert Anders Persson tells TT.

Should Israel violate the resolution with, for example, the planned ground invasion of Rafah, there could be consequences, Persson points out.

- Then I think Israel can face, not biting sanctions, but at least initial sanctions, which is very significant, he says.

Anders Persson also believes that Netanyahu's position in the long run can be weakened even at home if he opposes the UN and creates conflict with countries such as the United States.