Victor EzejaThe United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution was passed on Monday after the United States for the first time since the war started in October 2023, decided to let the ceasefire deal sail through.
Before now, the US had used its veto power to block the resolutions calling for a ceasefire.
Fourteen countries voted in favour of the resolution but the US, Israel’s main ally, abstained from voting.
Previously, the US was accused of protecting Israel at the UN using its veto power. But since Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed over 32,000 people, mostly women and children, as reported by the health ministry operated by Hamas in the area, the global community has grown more critical of Israel over the rising death toll.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reportedly said the US’ decision to let the resolution pass did not mean it has shifted from its policy. Kirby explained that the US backed a ceasefire but did not vote in favour of the resolution because the text did not condemn Hamas.
Meanwhile, there is an integrated ongoing siege of al-Shifa Hospital as Israeli forces try to smoke out Hamas militants.
According to an Al-Jazeera report, Israeli air strikes have killed at least 22 Palestinians in central Gaza’s Deir al Balah region and 30 in Rafah in the south.
US opposed Israel’s insisted on invasion of Rafah over humanitarian consequences.
Arising from US decision to back UNSC ceasefire resolution, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in Monday that a meeting of high-level delegation with US official has been cancelled.
READ ALSO: Gaza War: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks End In Stalemate
US’ new stance on the Gaza as seen in the UNSC resolution, has apparently strained its relationship with Israel.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the resolution, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, said the resolution failed to demand a ceasefire on the condition that Hamas must first release captives in Gaza, adding that it “undermines the efforts to secure their release.”
“It is harmful to these efforts because it gives Hamas terrorists hope to get a ceasefire without releasing the hostages. All members of the council.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
