GAZA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Monday welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the movement called on the Security Council to pressure Israel to commit to a ceasefire and to stop "the war of extermination" against the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, the movement highlighted its readiness to engage in a prisoner exchange process immediately, leading to the release of captives or prisoners held by both sides, the statement said.

In addition, Hamas emphasized the need to reach a permanent ceasefire, demanded the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and called for the return of displaced persons to their homes.

It also stressed the importance of ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Gaza Strip, including heavy equipment for rubble removal, "so that we can bury the dead people who have remained under the rubble for months," said the statement.

The movement reiterated the right of the Palestinian people to "establish their independent sovereign state with its capital in Jerusalem," and the right of return and self-determination, in accordance with international resolutions and international law, said the statement.

The movement mentioned the efforts of Algeria and other countries in the Security Council that supported and continue to support the Palestinian people and work for the ceasefire resolution, it said.

The UN Security Council on Monday adopted Resolution 2728 demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan, and calling for the release of all hostages.

The resolution received the support of 14 votes from the 15 Security Council members. The United States, which had previously exercised its veto right against three draft resolutions calling for or demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, abstained, allowing the resolution to pass. Enditem

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