UN Security Council call for ceasefire must be acted on - Carthy

The adoption of a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has been welcomed by a local Sinn Féin TD, saying it must now be followed by action.

The Security Council has attempted to pass similar resolutions in the past only for the US to use its veto. However, in a sign of the widening rift between the US and its long-standing ally Israel, the US abstained from today's vote on UN Security Council resolution 2728.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD welcomed the move saying the resolution "must now lead to meaningful actions to deliver and support such a ceasefire". He said the international community must be ready to sanction Israel while it continues its genocide against the Palestinian people.

“For almost six months, the international community has failed humanity by its inaction in the face of the wanton death and destruction in Gaza that has already led to the killing of over 31,300 people, including more than 13,450 children.

“I welcome the adoption of the resolution today by the United Nations Security Council that calls for an immediate ceasefire. I agree with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' assertion that failure to implement it would be unforgivable.

“The adoption of this resolution must now lead to meaningful actions to deliver and support a ceasefire. The international community must be ready to introduce meaningful sanctions on Israel while it continues its genocide in Gaza people and its occupation and apartheid against the Palestinian people.

“A humanitarian catastrophe is worsening by the hour in Gaza. No effort should be spared in delivering the ceasefire demanded by the Security Council and in the delivery of the aid so desperately needed by the many victims of Israeli aggression there.”