| Number: | 2735 |
| Organ: | SC |
| Meeting: | 9,650 |
| Date: | 10 June |
| Year: | 2024 |
| For: | 14 |
| Against: | 0 |
| Abstention: | 1 |
| Result: | Adopted |
| Code: | S/RES/2735(2024) |
| Document: | yes |
| Subject: | Israel–Hamas war |
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted on 10 June 2024, calls on Hamas to accept a proposed hostage and ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Israel–Hamas war. The resolution, presented by the United States, details the three-phase proposal and notes Israel's acceptance thereof. The implementation of the described agreement would result in the release of all hostages held by Hamas, establish a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and advance a multi-year reconstruction plan. Additionally, the resolution rejects any demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip and reaffirms the Security Council's support for a two-state solution, envisioning the unification of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under Palestinian Authority governance.
The resolution received unanimous support, with the Russian Federation abstaining from the vote.
See also: Three-phase Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal. On 31 May 2024, President Joe Biden publicly presented a hostage and ceasefire proposal in a televised address, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict. Developed with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, the proposal includes a six-week ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. In exchange, Hamas would release some hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, and Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Later phases of the plan envision the release of all hostages, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip. The details presented are a summary of a proposal Israel had transmitted to the mediators.[1]
Despite the public appeal and the origin of this proposal, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas have not publicly or formally accepted the deal at the time of this resolution's adoption. Netanyahu argues that the publicly described terms are inaccurate and maintains that military operations will continue until Hamas is defeated.[2] [3]
The Biden administration is exerting significant pressure on Hamas through mediating countries, Egypt and Qatar. Both Qatar and Egypt have threatened Hamas leaders with possible arrest, freezing of assets, sanctions, and expulsion from Doha if they do not agree to the proposal on the table. These actions are part of a broader U.S. strategy to leverage regional influence to bring Hamas to the negotiating table and achieve a cessation of hostilities.[4]
In Israel, political complexities affect the situation. Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners oppose any ceasefire and have threatened to collapse the government if he agrees to the deal. Opposition leaders have offered support for a hostage agreement, but deep political divisions and Netanyahu's precarious position complicate his decision-making.[5]