Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine)— The UN Security Council has issued its first resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since the war erupted in October. The resolution demands an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages, following repeated failed attempts to secure international consensus.
For the first time, the United States abstained from voting on the resolution rather than vetoing it. This marks a significant shift in its approach, as it had previously blocked similar measures while negotiations for hostage releases continued. However, the US draft did not pass without controversy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Washington of “abandoning” its earlier stance, which linked a ceasefire to the release of hostages. He also announced the cancellation of scheduled meetings between Israeli and US officials in Washington.
Hamas welcomed the resolution, stating its readiness to engage in a prisoner exchange. Yet, Israel has firmly rejected halting its Gaza offensive until hostages are freed. The war, which began on October 7 after a Hamas attack killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 253 hostages, has since claimed more than 32,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to implement the resolution, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people face acute food insecurity. The US has increased pressure on Israel to expedite aid delivery, a point of contention as Israel accuses the UN of inefficiency in distribution efforts.
Despite escalating tensions, key meetings between Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan remain on track, signaling ongoing strategic alignment amid rising divergences over Gaza policy.
