The UN Security Council has approved a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Gaza and Israel after the United States abstained.
The US has previously vetoed similar resolutions.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said while the latest resolution included edits requested by the US, Washington could not vote yes because it "did not agree with everything".
The resolution, put forward by the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said a failure to implement the resolution would be unforgivable.
The UN vote on Monday came as tensions grow over a looming Israeli military operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.
Separately, Israel agreed to a US proposal on a prisoner-hostage deal, which could see the release of around 700 Palestinian prisoners, in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
But Hamas said more issues remain.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
