The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, marking the first time the council has agreed to do so in almost five months since the Israel-Hamas war began.
All 14 members voted in favour of the resolution on Monday, while the United States, Israel's ally abstained from the vote.
The resolution, which was jointly proposed by the 11 members of the council, calls for an "immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire."
Recall that the United States has previously vetoed bids for a ceasefire but has recently shown growing frustration with Israel, including its stated plans to expand its military offensive to the packed southern city of Rafah
The United States' obvious change in tone toward its Middle Eastern ally was seen on Friday when the United States put forward a resolution recognising "the imperative" of an "immediate and sustained ceasefire."
The resolution was, however, blocked by Russia and China, which, along with Arab states, criticised it for stopping short of explicitly demanding Israel halt its war on Gaza.
The approved resolution also "emphasises the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip and reiterates its demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale."
