January 8, 2009
On January 8, 2009, following thirteen days of fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the United Nations passes a resolution aimed at ending this “Gaza War.” The resolution is adopted 14-0 with the United States abstaining. It calls for an end to the fighting, protection of the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations. It states, “a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means.” The fighting begins on December 27 when Israel launches a major military offensive in response to months of Hamas rocket attacks upon Israeli civilians. (source)