United Nations Radio

The UN Security Council Thursday night called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The vote was 14 in favor with one abstention - the United States.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

"The United States thought it important to see the outcomes of the Egyptian mediation efforts in order to see what this resolution might have been supporting and that is why we chose to abstain tonight. But after a great deal of consideration we decided that this resolution - the text of which we support, the goals of which we support and the objectives which we fully support should indeed be allowed to go forward. I believe in doing so the council has provided a roadmap for a sustainable durable peace in Gaza."

The resolution, expressing grave concern at the escalation of violence and the deterioration of the situation in Gaza, in particular the resulting heavy civilian casualties, stressed the urgency of, and called for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The Council called for unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment.
It also called on Member States to support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza.

The Council condemned all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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