'Absolutely meaningless': Triangle activists say UN ceasefire resolution doesn't go far enough

Some people in the Triangle on Monday said they are not satisfied with the UN Security Council’s ceasefire resolution in Gaza.

The council adopted a ceasefire resolution Monday morning, the first the United Nations adopted since Israel’s war with Hamas began in October. 14 members voted in favor of the resolution, with the United States abstaining.

The resolution is demanding:

• An immediate ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan, until April 9.
• The immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
• The admittance of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN said the resolution undermines the efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages, while Palestinian supporters in the Triangle said it’s a small step, but not big enough.

“The resolution is absolutely meaningless unless the Security Council, and particularly the United States, forces Israel to comply with the resolution,” pro-ceasefire activist Rania Masri said. “This is the catch, and what pains me a great deal is that the United States government has been funding the Israeli war on Palestine.”

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between Hamas forces and civilians, over 30,000 people in Gaza have died since the start of the war. At least 130 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity.

On Tuesday, Duke healthcare workers are hosting a vigil on Duke University Hospital’s campus to raise awareness about the healthcare crisis in Gaza.