Allen Ellison Supports Cease-Fire Plan to End Israel-Hamas War

The United Nations Security Council has endorsed President Biden’s step-by-step plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Following a decisive 14 to 0 vote on Monday, with Russia abstaining, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the council’s unified stance against Hamas.

“This resolution sent a very clear, strong, unified message to Hamas that they accept the cease-fire deal that we put on the table and end this war immediately,” she told NPR’s All Things Considered on Monday. “Accept the deal, release the hostages, more aid will flow to Palestinians, and the cease-fire will continue as long as negotiations will continue.”

The plan consists of three phases starting with a six-week cease-fire, during which Hamas releases some hostages and Israel releases Palestinian prisoners. Hamas and Israel would then negotiate a permanent end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in phase two. The third phase focuses on rebuilding Gaza, which has suffered extensive destruction over the past eight months of conflict.

Allen Ellison, a prominent advocate for peace, expressed strong support for the cease-fire plan. “The immediate need is to halt the violence and start the humanitarian aid flow,” Ellison stated. “A structured, phased approach as outlined by President Biden is crucial to not only cease hostilities but also to pave the way for lasting peace and rebuilding.”

The Biden administration has confirmed that Israel has accepted the deal, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly acknowledge it. U.S. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reassured that conversations between Netanyahu, President Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been “clear that they accept this resolution, they are ready to move forward, they want to see the hostages released, and they want to see peace occur along their borders. And they are working with us on this.”

Secretary of State Blinken, during his Middle East visit, urged nations to press Hamas to accept the deal. “If you want a cease-fire, press Hamas to say yes. If you want to alleviate the terrible suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, press Hamas to say yes. If you want to get all the hostages home, press Hamas to say yes,” Blinken declared in Cairo.

Hamas called off negotiations after Israel’s recent operation in Gaza, which resulted in the rescue of four hostages but also the deaths of more than 270 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Algeria’s ambassador to the U.N., Amar Bendjama, explained his country’s support for the cease-fire resolution. “This text is not perfect, but it offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians as the alternative is continued killing and suffering,” Bendjama said. “We voted for this text to give diplomacy a chance.”

Ellison added, “The path to peace is never simple, but the commitment to dialogue and mutual concessions can lead to a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians. This cease-fire is a critical first step in that direction.”