Palestinians want permanent ceasefire, not just two weeks

SHAH ALAM – As the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza stretches into its 171st day, Palestinians express profound disappointment with the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) latest resolution.

The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks and demanded the release of all hostages seized in the Oct 7 operation by Hamas on Israel.

However, for Palestinians, this fell woefully short of addressing the deep-rooted issues of the ongoing crisis.

Palestinian journalist Bisan known on Instagram as wizard_bisan1 posted a video expressing Palestinians' disappointment with the resolution that the UNSC has passed as it was demanding an immediate ceasefire for only two weeks.

"It's day 171 of the genocide and we are still alive, but my people and I are so disappointed with the resolution that UNSC has passed because it is demanding an immediate ceasefire for two weeks.

"The remaining weeks of Ramadan with the unconditional release of the hostages without talking or demanding any release for the hostages that Israel has taken. The 7,000 Palestinians, Gazans that Israel has taken since the beginning of this genocide, or an immediate permanent ceasefire or even getting back to our homes in the north of Gaza Strip.

"So, the UNSC is asking for this immediate ceasefire only to bring the hostages back to Israel, not to bring our hostages back. (Not) even a permanent ceasefire so we can get back to our homes, rebuild our homes and our cities that were fully damaged by the Israeli army for seven months now.

"This is a very disappointing resolution from the UN and that's why and I have no doubt, that's why it was passed. Because it is disappointing," she said in the video.

Earlier, it was reported that the UNSC for the first time demanded an immediate ceasefire after the United States (US), Israel's ally which vetoed previous drafts, abstained.

All 14 other members voted in favour of the resolution which "demands an immediate ceasefire" for the ongoing month of Ramadan.

The resolution also called for the truce to lead to a "lasting, sustainable ceasefire" and demanded that Hamas free hostages seized on Oct 7.

Meanwhile, Russia objected to the removal of the word "permanent" ceasefire at the last minute and called a vote, which failed to gain passage.