A United Nations resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan was passed on Monday after the United States abstained from using its veto power.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Thomas Greenfield, indicated that the decision to abstain rather than veto came after several amendments to the resolution were made.
“This resolution rightly acknowledges that, during the month of Ramadan, we must recommit to peace. Hamas can do that by accepting the deal on the table. A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement following the vote.
“We must put pressure on Hamas to do just that,” she added. “This is the only path to securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as we have all called for today. That is what this resolution means: a ceasefire of any duration must come with the release of hostages. This is the only path.”
The changes the US had sought, notably included calling for the immediate release of all hostages. However, the resolution did not include other significant amendments, such as a clause condemning the Hamas terrorist organization.
In response the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled an upcoming high-level delegation to Washington.
