Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has scrapped a scheduled visit to Washington, along with a high-level delegation, in response to the recent decision by the UN Security Council urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution was passed with a 14-0 vote, as the US opted not to exercise its veto power and instead abstained, a departure from its past actions where it vetoed three similar ceasefire resolutions.
The resolution specifically calls for a ceasefire to coincide with the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, while also demanding the release of all hostages taken during Hamas' surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7. However, it does not explicitly link the release of hostages to the ceasefire.
According to international aid officials, the entire population of the Gaza Strip, totalling 2.3 million people, is facing food insecurity, with the north particularly vulnerable to famine. Gaza's Health Ministry reports staggering casualties, with over 32,000 fatalities and more than 74,000 wounded. Notably, the Ministry's counts do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, with women and children constituting the majority of the casualties.
Hamas is still believed to be holding around 100 Israelis hostage, along with the remains of 30 others. The situation remains tense amid ongoing hostilities and diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.