UN Security Council adopts cease-fire resolution for Gaza, Israel cancels US visit

The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution urging an immediate cease-fire in Gaza after five months of Israel’s war there.  

Introduced by Algeria, the resolution calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire during Ramadan that is to be “respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable cease-fire.” 

Despite Israeli objections, the resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from the U.S.

As a result, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a high-level meeting of an Israeli delegation to Washington. 

Significantly, the U.S. did not use its veto power this time as it had previously, when it vetoed three U.N. resolutions calling for a cease-fire. 

The non-permanent members of the council negotiated with the U.S. over the weekend to prevent another veto. 

Russia’s proposal to include the term “permanent” in the cease-fire was rejected. 

Unlike Friday’s U.S.-sponsored text, which was vetoed by Russia and China, the new resolution is not linked to ongoing talks to pause the fighting in return for Hamas releasing prisoners. 

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the resolution’s importance, while Algeria’s representative welcomed it. 

U.N. director at Human Rights Watch Louis Charbonneau says Israel “needs to immediately respond” to the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution “by facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid”.