by Niamh Lynch, March 25, 2024, news.sky.com
https://news.sky.com/story/un-security-council-passes-resolution-demanding-gaza-ceasefire-13101682
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution that demands a ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan.
The Muslim holy month began on 10 March and is set to finish on 9 April – meaning the council is calling for a two-week ceasefire, though the proposal said the pause in fighting should lead “to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.”
The US abstained from the vote, with the 14 other council members – including Russia, China and the UK – voting in favour.
The resolution also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages – not linked to a timeline – and “emphasises the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to… the Gaza Strip.”
After the vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled a planned visit to Washington by a delegation as “the US withdrew from its consistent position.”
In a statement, Mr Netanyahu’s office said: “The US did not veto the new text that calls for a ceasefire without the condition of releasing the abductees.”
The prime minister’s office called the US’s abstention a “clear retreat.”