The United Nations Security Council called for an immediate halt to hostilities between Israel and Hamas, alongside the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages, after the United States chose to abstain from voting.
The UN resolution, endorsed by the other 14 members of the council and initiated by its 10 elected nations, succeeded amid the United States’ previous hesitations regarding the term “ceasefire” during the conflict in the Gaza Strip that has lasted nearly six months. Previously, the U.S. had utilized its veto power in support of Israel, its ally, in retaliation to an attack by Hamas on October 7, claimed by Israel to have resulted in 1,200 deaths.
This abstention by the U.S. came as the international community increasingly sought a ceasefire in the conflict, which has resulted in over 32,000 Palestinian casualties. The ceasefire is specifically aimed at the month of Ramadan, concluding in two weeks. It includes a call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, with Israel stating that Hamas took 253 hostages in the October 7 assault.
Moreover, the resolution underscores the critical necessity to enhance humanitarian aid and civilian protection throughout the Gaza Strip, urging the removal of all obstacles to significant humanitarian assistance.
Before the council meeting, Israeli media indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would cancel a trip to Washington if the U.S. failed to veto the resolution.
To date, the U.S. has vetoed three resolutions concerning the Gaza war and abstained twice, enabling the adoption of resolutions aimed at increasing aid to Gaza and advocating for extended combat pauses.
Additionally, Russia and China vetoed two resolutions proposed by the U.S. regarding the conflict in October and the previous Friday.
