The UN Security Council has demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Following the United States’ abstention from the vote, the UN Security Council on Monday requested an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Gaza militant group Hamas as well as the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution, which was put forth by the body’s ten elected members, received the votes of the remaining fourteen council members.
“The Palestinian people have endured immense suffering. It’s been far too long since this massacre began. Algeria’s ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama, addressed the council following the vote, “It is our responsibility to put an end to this bloodbath, before it is too late.”
Shortly before the council meeting began, Israeli army radio said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would call off a scheduled mission to Washington in the event that the United States did not reject the resolution.
Earlier in the over six-month-old conflict in the Gaza Strip, Washington had opposed the term “ceasefire” and had utilized its veto authority to protect Israel, an ally of the United States, as it retaliated against Hamas for an attack on October 7 that Israel claims claimed 1,200 lives.
Security Council
However, the United States withdrew from voting on Monday to let the Security Council to demand an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which concludes in two weeks, in the face of mounting international pressure for a truce in the conflict that has claimed the lives of over 32,000 Palestinians.
The resolution also calls for the unconditional and prompt release of every hostage. Israel claims that during the Oct 7 raid, Hamas kidnapped 253 people.
“The United States is not just talking the talk when it supports these goals. As we are aware that diplomacy is the only way we can advance this agenda, we are working nonstop to bring them to reality on the ground, stated U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
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