The Security Council has passed a resolution urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and the unconditional release of all abductees. 14 countries supported this decision, 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.
Ahead of the vote on the resolution, Prime Minister Benjamin 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 this cancellation. In response to the Security Council’s decision, 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.
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 that tying a ceasefire to the release of hostages was still crucial but explained that they had made this decision to facilitate progress on hostage deals and aid delivery to Gaza. Defense Minister Gallant was scheduled to meet with National Security Adviser Sullivan at the White House to discuss plans for Operation Rafah and ongoing efforts to secure hostage releases.
