In a significant development, the United Nations Security Council has issued a call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Notably, the United States refrained from vetoing the measure, marking a departure from its previous stance. This move underscores a growing disparity between the US and its ally, Israel, particularly concerning Israel’s offensive actions in Gaza.
The resolution, which demands an instant cessation of hostilities, also urges the unconditional release of all hostages. This marks the first time the Security Council has explicitly demanded a ceasefire since the conflict erupted in October, following several unsuccessful attempts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a stern rebuke, expressing disappointment at the US’s departure from its prior position. The office asserted that the US’s non-vetoing of the resolution has negatively impacted efforts to secure the release of hostages. Consequently, scheduled meetings between Israeli and US officials have been canceled.
Israel’s defense minister emphasized that the country would not halt its military campaign in Gaza as long as hostages remained in captivity. However, the Palestinian representative to the UN welcomed the resolution, albeit expressing frustration at its delayed implementation.
Hamas, the Palestinian governing authority in Gaza, welcomed the resolution and expressed readiness to engage in a prisoner exchange process. However, the group has conditioned any hostage release on Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
During the Security Council vote, the US abstained while other members voted in favor, signaling a shift in the US’s stance towards Israel. Despite abstaining, the US clarified that its policy regarding a ceasefire remained unchanged, emphasizing the importance of condemning Hamas in any resolution.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the resolution’s imperative implementation to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of all hostages. Former UK ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall-Grant, noted that the resolution imposes a legal obligation on Israel to cease its military activities for the remaining duration of Ramadan.
While the US has historically supported Israel at the UN, it has become increasingly critical of Israel’s actions amid mounting casualties in Gaza. The US has urged Israel to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has reached dire levels.
The ongoing conflict erupted when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, resulting in casualties and the abduction of individuals into Gaza. Despite diplomatic tensions resulting from the Security Council resolution, scheduled meetings between Israeli and US officials are set to proceed as planned.
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