Israel cancels Washington meeting after UN Gaza ceasefire vote

Israel has opted to cancel a scheduled meeting in Washington following the United States’ decision not to veto a UN Security Council resolution urging a ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution, which also emphasised the release of all hostages, comes after multiple unsuccessful attempts to implement similar measures since the attacks on October 7th.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the US for what he perceived as a departure from its previous stance.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The UN Security Council’s initial resolution urging an immediate ceasefire emerged amid urgent calls to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Throughout the conflict, the US has exercised its veto power to block three Security Council resolutions advocating for pauses in hostilities or a ceasefire. Additionally, two resolutions were vetoed jointly by Russia and China.

On Monday, the US abstained from voting on a resolution calling for an “immediate” ceasefire for the remainder of the month of Ramadan, which spans two weeks, as well as the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

With 14 other council members, including the UK, voting in favour, the resolution passed.

While Washington has taken a progressively tougher stance on Israel, it emphasised that its abstention did not signify a policy shift.