Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a D.C. trip for Ron Dermer and Tzachi Hanegbi, his top aides, after the U.S. abstained from voting on a U.N. Security Council Gaza resolution:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancels the planned trip to Washington by his top aides Ron Dermer and Tzachi Hanegbi after the US refrained from using a veto to block a UN Security Council resolution backed by Russia and China that called for a ceasefire without conditioning it on the release of hostages.In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Israel says the US is harming the war effort and attempts to free hostages by the decision.The statement calls the decision “a clear retreat from the consistent US position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war,” and one that “gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to get a ceasefire without releasing our hostages.”
The U.S. abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas. It’s also non-binding.
However, the U.S. could have used its veto power.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said abstaining from the vote has not changed its policy: “We have been consistent in our support for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal.”
The Security Council,Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,Recalling all of its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,Reiterating its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and in this regard deploring all attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as all violence and hostilities against civilians, and all acts of terrorism, and recalling that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law;Expressing deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,Acknowledging the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, aimed at reaching a cessation of hostilities, releasing the hostages and increasing the provision and distribution of humanitarian aid,1. Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs, and further demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain;2. Emphasizes 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, in line with international humanitarian law as well as resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023);3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY