The United Nations Security Council issued a resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, after the United States decided to abstain rather than use its veto power, Associated Press reports.
The resolution, which passed 14-0 after the US abstained, calls for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. However, the hostage release demand was not linked to the Ramadan ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the US for allowing the resolution to pass without conditioning the release of hostages held by Hamas with the ceasefire and canceled a planned high-level delegation visit to Washington.
