Israel - Hamas War : Israel ticked off as US abstains from key Gaza vote at UN
The US infuriated israel by abstaining from the vote when the UN Security Council made its first call for a ceasefire in Gaza on Monday. In response, israel called off a high-level delegation's trip to Washington in the most visible spat between the partners since the start of the conflict. By permitting the vote to proceed without requiring the return of Hamas detainees in order for the cease-fire to take effect, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged that the US was "retreating" from a "principled position."
In the meantime, Hamas has notified peace negotiators that it will adhere to its initial plan to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire that included the evacuation of Israeli forces from Gaza and the repatriation of Palestinians who have been internally displaced. In mid-March, the organization sent a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza to the US and mediators.
• Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden's relationship reached a wartime low on monday when the US allowed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to pass the UN and the Israeli leader sharply criticized the US for it. This week, Netanyahu unexpectedly canceled a senior delegation's trip to Washington to discuss Israel's next attack in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The US is trying to persuade Netanyahu to think about options other than a ground invasion of Rafah, the last reasonably safe shelter for Palestinian civilians, but the postponing of that meeting presents a significant new impediment. The US is concerned about the humanitarian crisis that is worsening in Gaza.
• Following the event, US spokesperson john Kirby stated that Israel's right to pursue Hamas unabated is unaffected by the UN Security Council decision, which is "a non-binding resolution." In addition, President Biden's unwavering support for Israel's security and defense against all threats, including Iran, has been "conveyed," according to white house National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.