The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has passed a resolution endorsing a US-supported ceasefire aimed at halting Israel’s eight-month-long offensive on Gaza.

The US-proposed resolution was adopted on Monday with a vote of 14-0, while Russia chose to abstain.

The resolution is in favor of a ceasefire proposal announced last month by US President Joe Biden. The plan consists of three phases and starts with an initial six-week ceasefire, along with an exchange of Israeli captives held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

In the second phase, a permanent ceasefire and the release of the remaining captives are planned. The third phase focuses on the reconstruction of the heavily damaged Gaza Strip.

The US has indicated that Israel agrees with the proposal. However, some Israeli officials have stated their intention to continue military operations until Hamas, the ruling Palestinian group in Gaza, is eradicated.

The resolution presses Hamas to accept the three-phase plan, emphasizing that Israel and Hamas should implement its terms promptly and without any preconditions.

Hamas quickly embraced the resolution on Monday, expressing its willingness to work with mediators and engage in indirect negotiations to adhere to the agreement's principles.

Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reported from the UN headquarters in New York that the UNSC passed the resolution with significant support, making it a binding international law. The question now is whether it will be enforced and adhered to.

Elizondo noted that the US has stated unequivocally that Israel has agreed to the terms, increasing pressure on Israel to comply.

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood mentioned that the US aimed to ensure all 15 UNSC members were in agreement, describing it as the most viable opportunity to temporarily halt the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously commented that Biden shared only portions of the proposal, emphasizing that permanent ceasefire discussions before dismantling Hamas’s capabilities were premature.

Hamas has consistently maintained that any agreement must lead to a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, lifting the Israeli blockade, reconstruction, and a significant exchange of captives.

On March 25, the UNSC adopted a resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, which the US abstained from, but the offensive continued.

Three-phase plan

Biden’s new ceasefire proposal, announced on May 31, includes an initial six-week ceasefire and the release of Gaza-held captives for Palestinian prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gazan populated regions, and the return of Palestinian civilians.

The resolution provides detailed steps, stating that if phase one negotiations exceed six weeks, the ceasefire will continue provided talks persist.

Phase one also involves extensive humanitarian aid distribution throughout Gaza, with Biden mentioning 600 aid trucks entering Gaza daily.

Phase two stipulates, upon agreement of Israel and Hamas, a permanent ceasefire, release of remaining hostages, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Phase three encompasses extensive reconstruction in Gaza and returning deceased hostages' remains to their families.

The resolution reaffirms the UNSC's commitment to a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure, recognized borders.

It also underscores the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, a proposal Netanyahu's government has not accepted.

Alon Liel, a former director of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated Israel was caught off guard by the resolution and anticipates busy discussions following the announcement.

Liel noted that Israel had not fully backed its own or the US's proposal and failed to alter the resolution’s text. He warned that Israel’s open rejection could amplify international pressure.