New Delhi: Almost six months into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the UN Security Council on March 25 passed a resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.The resolution, which calls for the truce to lead to a “lasting, sustainable cease-fire,” passed with the votes of 14 Security Council while the United States abstained, marking a key shift in Washington’s stance.The removal of the word “permanent” from an earlier version of the draft and its replacement with “immediate ceasefire” was described in a UN report as a ‘sticking point.’The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2024The resolution also demands the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7, although this demand is not linked to the demand for a ceasefire during Ramadan, which ends on April 9.#BREAKINGSecurity Council ADOPTS resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostagesIN FAVOR: 14AGAINST: 0ABSTAIN: 1 (US)⤵️https://t.co/chqgoyKICb pic.twitter.com/kisp5YDyGT— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) March 25, 2024 The successful resolution was drafted in part by Algeria, the Arab bloc’s current member on the Security Council, with a diverse array of countries including Slovenia and Switzerland.“The Palestinian people have been suffering terribly for five months,” said Algerian ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama.“The bloodbath has gone far too long,” he said. “Finally, the Security Council is finally responding to the calls of the international community and the Secretary-General.”Whether or not Israel will accept and implement the resolution is a different matter.(With inputs from DW)