United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860

The Council Resolution 1860 of the UN Security Council is a legally binding UN resolution, which was adopted unanimously on January 8, 2009 at its 6063rd meeting, in response to the so-called Gaza war with one abstention by the United States, the United Nations Security Council. In the resolution, the parties to the conflict, Israel and the Palestinian radical Islamist Hamas were invited to an immediate ceasefire. In addition, Israel is asked to withdraw its forces from the autonomous region.

The U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice explained its abstention order, America wanted to await the Egyptian peace negotiations, but the resolution did not stand in the way, as the UN decision is a step in the right direction. Political observers had expected a veto.

Content of the resolution

The UN Resolution 1860 includes the following points:

• The Security Council calls for an immediate, durable and fully preserved ceasefire leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
• It calls on all UN member states to step up efforts for arrangements and guarantees in Gaza in order to achieve a permanent ceasefire and to prevent arms smuggling and border crossings to reopen on time.
• Durable and regulated opening of border crossings for people and goods.
• All violence and hostilities against civilians be condemned.
• The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the escalation of violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Assistance must Gaza can reach unhindered, the opening of humanitarian corridors is expressly welcomed.
• The Security Council urges international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and the economy of Gaza rebuild.
• The Security Council welcomes both the Egyptian attempt to bring a truce accomplishes that as well as other ongoing regional and international initiatives.
• The Security Council encourages to " tangible steps " towards a reconciliation of Palestinian factions, with Egyptian and Arab mediation.
• The Security Council urges efforts to achieve a comprehensive Israeli- Palestinian peace settlement, in which two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace.