The United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Moreover, the Council demands the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution received support from 14 of the Council’s members, while the United States abstained from voting.
Previously, the United States had been hesitant to endorse the term “ceasefire” during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for nearly six months.
Worth mentioning, U.S. had used its veto power to protect its ally Israel, which had been retaliating against Hamas since an attack on October 7 claimed to have resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people.
However, due to mounting international pressure for a truce in the war that has claimed the lives of over 32,000 Palestinians, the U.S. chose to abstain from the vote, enabling the Security Council to demand an immediate ceasefire for the remaining two weeks of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The resolution also emphasizes the urgent need to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid and enhance the protection of civilians throughout the entire Gaza Strip.
It reiterates the Council’s demand for the removal of all barriers hindering the provision of humanitarian assistance on a large scale.
Shortly before the Security Council meeting, Israeli army radio reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a planned visit to Washington unless the U.S. vetoed the resolution.