Tensions between the US and Israel surfaced as Washington abstained from a UN resolution for a Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu canceled advisers’ US trip in response.
The US changed its stance on a ceasefire resolution last week. A resolution tied to hostage release was vetoed by Russia and China. The US abstained, allowing the latest resolution to pass with 14 yes votes.
The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that although the latest resolution incorporated edits requested by the US, Washington could not vote in favor because it “did not agree with everything.” The ambassador also mentioned that a ceasefire could have been achieved months ago if Hamas had been willing to release hostages. She urged member states and the Security Council to demand that Hamas “accept the deal on the table.”
“Any ceasefire must come with the release of all hostages,” she added.
The UN Security Council’s resolution calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan, release of hostages, and increased aid in Gaza. Secretary-General Guterres warns that not following the resolution is unacceptable.
“The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable,” Guterres wrote on X.
Both Hamas and the Palestinian authority welcomed the resolution,
The Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, has expressed his disdain towards the Security Council for their thoughtless approval of a ceasefire measure without any consideration for the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, made it clear that his country will not be swayed by this resolution. In a defiant statement, he declared: “Israel will not cease fire.” He further vowed to annihilate Hamas and persist in their fight until every last hostage is safely returned home.
The Biden administration chose to abstain from vetoing the UN Security Council resolution over the weekend, opting instead to work on altering specific parts of the resolution’s text, as reported by a senior administration official.
Another source familiar with the situation mentioned that the US had initially planned to veto the resolution, but intensive diplomatic efforts led to a compromise that ultimately resulted in the decision to abstain.
The text initially demanded a permanent ceasefire without mentioning hostage negotiations. The US intervened to include language on ongoing hostage release efforts in the resolution, aligning with US policy as stated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“Because the final text does not have key language we view as essential, notably a condemnation of Hamas, we could not support it. This failure to condemn Hamas is particularly difficult to understand coming days after the world once again witnessed the horrific acts terrorist groups commit,” Blinken said in a statement.
The UN vote on Monday occurred amidst escalating tensions over an imminent Israeli military operation in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. The US urged Israel to clarify plans for safeguarding 1. 4 million Palestinians before an anticipated operation, considered a mistake. The decision was labeled as a vote “for life to prevail” by Riyad Mansour, the UN Ambassador of the Palestinian Territories.
It has taken a staggering six months for the Security Council to finally muster the courage to demand an immediate ceasefire in the face of such grave humanitarian crises. The fact that “over 100, 000 people have lost their lives or been left maimed, two million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes, and famine looms large” before this council could be compelled to call for action is a reflection of the ineffective and sluggish response of international bodies in addressing critical global issues.
Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, and Ron Dermer, a member of the war cabinet and a close adviser to Netanyahu, planned a trip to Washington on Monday night for discussions regarding the ongoing offensive and potential US alternatives. Nevertheless, in light of the vote outcome, their scheduled visit was abruptly canceled.
National Security spokesman John Kirby provided a rather detailed and elaborate reaction to Netanyahu’s sudden decision to call off the delegation, expressing palpable disappointment towards this unexpected turn of events.
“We’re very disappointed that they will not be coming to Washington, DC, to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to going in on the ground in Rafah,” he said.
Hamas senior officials Basem Naeim said, “For us, the negotiations are not only centric around the prisoner exchange deal.”
“Israel has not agreed to any of (Hamas) requests related to a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of all forces from the Gaza Strip, even in stages, and the return of all displaced people to their homes,” Naeim said.
Adam Clark
Adam Clark AKA “Ruckus” is the host and producer of The Daily Ruckus, a news and opinion based podcast that started out as a hobby but eventually became a regular show featured on Alternate Current Radio.
A self-described Jack-of-all-trades, he is a business and marketing consultant, graphic designer, webmaster, content creator, media analyst, and prolific commentator. Adam’s interests are in cryptohistory, media, current events, science & technology, and avoiding contact with sharks.
