UN Security Council For The First Time Demands Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza, US Abstains

In a significant move, the United Nations Security Council on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, alongside the unconditional release of all hostages, following the United States’ decision to abstain from the vote. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the council, received support from the remaining 14 council members.

Quoting Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama, news agency Reuters reported, “The Palestinian people has suffered greatly. This bloodbath has continued for far too long. It is our obligation to put an end to this bloodbath, before it is too late.”

Following the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled the diplomatic delegation’s visit to Washington, reported news agency AP.

Ahead of the council meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly threatened to cancel a planned delegation to Washington if the U.S. did not veto the resolution. However, the U.S. abstained from the vote amid mounting global pressure for a truce in the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives, according to Reuters.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated, “The United States support for these objectives is not simply rhetorical. We’re working around the clock to make them real on the ground through diplomacy, because we know that it is only through diplomacy that we can push this agenda forward.”

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UN Resolution Urges Humanitarian Assitance In Gaza Strip

The resolution also stressed the urgent need to enhance humanitarian assistance and reinforce the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip, reiterating the demand for the lifting of all barriers to humanitarian aid provision, Reuters’ report stated.

The U.S. decision to abstain from the vote came as it did not entirely agree with the resolution, particularly the absence of a condemnation of Hamas. This move marked a departure from previous instances where the U.S. had used its veto power to shield Israel from similar resolutions.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for nearly six months, resulting in significant loss of life and exacerbating humanitarian concerns in the region.