On June 10, 2024, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2735, endorsing a comprehensive ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the Gaza war and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. This resolution marked a significant diplomatic milestone, building on an earlier proposal first announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024.
Background
The proposal emerged from extensive negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas had initially accepted the framework on May 5, 2024, creating momentum for international consensus. The resolution represented the Security Council's most concrete attempt to halt the fighting that had begun with the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The Three-Stage Proposal
Resolution 2735 endorsed a detailed three-stage plan:
Stage One: Initial Ceasefire and Hostage Release
The first phase included a six-week ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Israel would provide "intensive and sufficient" humanitarian aid, allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, and begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza positions. This stage would also initiate bilateral talks toward a more permanent cessation of hostilities.
Stage Two: Permanent Ceasefire
The second stage called for Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire, with Hamas releasing the remaining living male hostages. Both sides would continue negotiations for sustainable peace arrangements.
Stage Three: Reconstruction and Normalization
The final stage envisioned a comprehensive reconstruction plan spanning three to five years, alongside steps toward normalization of relations between Israel and regional actors.
Implementation Challenges
Despite the Security Council's endorsement, implementation faced significant obstacles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later rejected a permanent ceasefire, while some U.S. officials accused Hamas of obstructing the agreement as well. The proposal became the foundation for subsequent negotiation attempts, including those that eventually led to the January 2025 ceasefire agreement.
International Response
The resolution passed with broad international support, reflecting global concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing hostage situation. However, the gap between diplomatic agreements on paper and their implementation on the ground remained substantial, highlighting the complexity of resolving the conflict through international pressure alone.
Significance
Resolution 2735 represented an important milestone in international diplomatic efforts to address the Gaza war, establishing a framework that would influence subsequent negotiations throughout 2024 and into 2025. While immediate implementation proved elusive, the resolution helped maintain diplomatic momentum and provided a reference point for future peace efforts.
Note: This article was compiled from multiple sources and represents a synthesis of publicly available information about Resolution 2735 and the June 2024 ceasefire proposal.