The Biden administration expressed confusion over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel a high-level delegation's planned visit to Washington following a U.N. Security Council vote that demanded a cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution, passed 14-0, called for an immediate cease-fire during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the release of hostages taken captive during Hamas' surprise attack in southern Israel. However, the resolution did not link the release of hostages to the cease-fire.
The U.S. abstained from voting instead of using its veto power, marking a departure from its previous stance of vetoing similar resolutions. The White House clarified that the resolution is nonbinding and will not impact Israel's ability to continue its military operations against Hamas.
The U.S. defended its abstention by stating that the resolution aligned with its consistent policy of linking a hostage deal with a temporary cease-fire. While Hamas welcomed the U.N.'s move, they emphasized the need for a permanent cease-fire.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the U.S. for allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas. The tensions between the Biden administration and Netanyahu have escalated over Israel's military actions, civilian casualties, and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was scheduled to meet with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington to continue discussions. The Israeli delegation planned to present its proposal for a potential ground invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
Israeli Energy Minister affirmed Israel's commitment to fighting until the safe return of hostages and the eradication of Hamas, rejecting any cease-fire proposal that does not include these conditions.
The Biden administration's decision not to veto the resolution has sparked criticism, with concerns raised about the U.S.'s credibility and strength. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza, with conflicting reports on the exact figures.
