The Security Council recently passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and the unconditional release of all abductees. The decision was supported by 14 countries, with the United States abstaining from voting and refraining from using its veto power. The UN Security Council emphasized the urgent need for increased aid to Gaza and called for the removal of any obstacles hindering its transfer.
In response to the Security Council’s decision, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the United States for deviating from its previous stance linking a ceasefire to the release of abductees, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in US policy. Ahead of the vote on the resolution, Netanyahu warned the Israeli delegation that he would cancel their trip to Washington if the US did not veto a ceasefire resolution that did not include the release of hostages. However, Netanyahu did not inform President Biden of the delegation’s cancellation.
White House spokesman John Kirby clarified that the lack of a US veto on the resolution did not signal a shift in policy. He emphasized the importance of tying a ceasefire to the release of hostages but explained that the decision to abstain from vetoing was made to facilitate progress on
