S. Korea welcomes U.N. resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza

SEOUL, South Korea hailed the U.N. Security Council (UNSC)'s recent adoption of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group, the foreign ministry said Tuesday. The UNSC released its first resolution Monday calling for the ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the immediate release of hostages and humanitarian access to Gaza. The resolution -- proposed by 10 non-permanent UNSC members, including South Korea -- was adopted with 14 council members in favor of and the United States abstaining from the vote. "We hope that the UNSC resolution will lead to a ceasefire agreement, the release of all hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid," foreign ministry spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk, told a regular press briefing. South Korea has been involved in the constructive discussions leading up to the resolution, he said. On whether the resolution is non-binding, an official at the ministry stressed the resolution must be respected and "faithfully implemented as it reflects the cons ensus of the international community." "However, we understand there are various views on whether the UNSC resolution is legally binding," he said. Source: Yonhap News Agency