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.
