TEHRAN, Iran

Iran welcomed the UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, saying it is "a positive yet insufficient step."

In a statement on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the most important step is "to put the resolution into practice," and to ensure that the Israeli army's attacks in Gaza and the West Bank fully stop.

He also called for lifting the siege on Gaza, and to reopen its crossings to allow the entry of international humanitarian aid, and to start the Gaza reconstruction process.

Earlier in the day, the Security Council passed a resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is set to end on April 9. As many as 14 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while the US abstained from voting.

The resolution called for an "immediate cease-fire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire."

It also demanded the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs."

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Palestinian territory since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 taken as hostages, half of whom were released in a brief November truce.

More than 32,333 Palestinians have since been killed and over 74,694 injured besides causing mass destruction, displacement and shortages of necessities.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X that the country will not cease fire, adding: "We will destroy Hamas and continue to fight until the last of the abductees returns home."

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar